Veteran journalist, ex-PM NEWS Editor David Odey dies at 63

Veteran Nigerian journalist and former PM NEWS Editor, Mr. David Oko Odey, has died at the age of 63 after a brief illness.

Odey passed away in his hometown of Okuku, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, leaving behind his wife and two children.

His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from journalists, former colleagues, and management of Independent Communications Network Limited (ICNL), publishers of PM NEWS and TheNEWS magazine, who described him as a dedicated professional whose contributions helped shape modern Nigerian journalism.

Born on January 1, 1962, Odey built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in the media industry. He earned a Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1989 and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Lagos in 2003.

Throughout his career, he held several key editorial positions in prominent Nigerian newspapers and magazines. He worked as Reporter and acting News Editor at Herald of the New Kingdom Newspaper in Calabar before serving as Senior Sub-Editor at Today’s Choice Magazine.

He later became Editor of PM NEWS, Evening Express, Midday Newspaper and Newsbreak Newspaper, establishing a reputation as a disciplined and highly respected newsroom leader.

In September 2004, Independent Communications Network Limited appointed him Deputy Editor of PM NNEWS, a position from which he rose to become one of the newspaper’s most influential editorial figures.

Colleagues recall his commitment to accuracy, deadlines and professional excellence.

Former presidential adviser and veteran journalist Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who supervised Odey during his years at PM NEWS, described his death as a painful loss to the journalism profession.

“I can personally attest to his professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to journalism,” Ojudu said in a tribute.

He described Odey as punctual, dependable and deeply committed to his work, noting that he played a crucial role in ensuring stories were sourced, edited and published on time.

“David was the kind of journalist every newsroom values. He worked quietly and diligently, never seeking attention, yet his contributions were invaluable to the success of the newspaper,” Ojudu added.

He said Odey’s strong work ethic and sense of duty distinguished him in a profession that relies heavily on public trust and integrity.

As news of his passing spreads across the media community, colleagues and friends have continued to remember him as a consummate professional whose dedication helped mentor younger journalists and strengthen the standards of Nigerian journalism.