The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commiserated with renowned Ijaw broadcaster, Chief Victor Ebipade Ayabotu, following the death of his beloved daughter, Miss Frances Funlayefa Ayabotu, a graduate of Mass Communication, who died at the tender age of 30 after a brief illness.

In a condolence message issued on Monday, April 20, 2026, and signed by its national Spokesman, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, the Forum described the loss as “painful and unfortunate,” noting that no parent should have to bury a child.

The IPF, a body of media professionals of Ijaw extraction, expressed shock over the sad news and extended its heartfelt sympathies to Ayabotu, his family, and loved ones.

“On behalf of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, we sympathize with our brother, colleague, and veteran broadcaster, Chief Victor Ayabotu, over the untimely demise of his beloved daughter,” the statement read.

“The death of a child is a wound that never truly heals. Imagine the depth of grief this has brought to the Ayabotu's family. We pray the Almighty God grants him, his wife, and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The Forum described Ayabotu as a respected voice in the Niger Delta media space, whose contributions to broadcasting and public enlightenment have inspired many young journalists in the region.

“Chief Ayabotu has been a pillar in our profession — a man who used the airwaves to educate, inform, and advocate for the Ijaw Nation. At this difficult moment, we stand with him not just as colleagues, but as family,” the IPF added.

The group further urged friends, associates, and members of the public to rally around the bereaved family in prayers and support, noting that moments of grief require collective compassion.

The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum reaffirmed its solidarity with the family, stating: “May the soul of the departed rest in peace, and may God console the Ayabotu family.”

Ayabotu, popularly known as Egberigede, is a sound ljaw news broadcaster, who has over the past five decades been promoting and preserving the ljaw language, culture and tradition through consistent media advocacy, renowned in his anchor of ‘ljaw Request Programme’ every Friday at the radio Delta Broadcasting Services (DBS) in Warri.

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