By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of Chief Ben Adaji. Adaji, a household name in Taraba state, passed on Saturday 30th, 2026 in his country home of Kogi state at the age of 67.
He said the loss is a great one for his immediate family and the entire media community of the state, describe Adaji as a forthright journalist who stayed true to the tenets of the profession.
The governor noted that the Adaji played a critical role in upholding free speech in the state through his bold reporting and adherence to professionalism.
Adaji passed away around 4 pm on Saturday at his country home in Abo- Ojikpadala in Imane District in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi state.
Adaji, until his unfortunate demise, worked with The News Magazine, the Nation, National Trial. He is the current correspondent of Al Jazeera Nigeria Newspaper in Taraba state before the sad development.
Dr Kefas observed that the late veteran journalist was also once the chairman of the Taraba State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Taraba state chapter.
Adaji held the revered traditional title of Abujah of Oda Ojiji Imane in the Imane community of Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi state.
His reign was widely recognized for his efforts in promoting cultural heritage and community development.
Following his commitment to the journalism profession, he built a distinguished career for several decades.
The late Adaji earned a reputation for ethical reporting, professional integrity, and mentoring young journalists.
Dr. Kefas paid tribute for the courage the late journalist always exhibited in dealing with power. He recalled his many altercations with authority during the military eras.
Consequently, Dr Kefas described the late Adaji as a hero of democracy and a great example of journalistic excellence.
Meanwhile, there have been sympathy messages from colleagues and friends.
Some of the messages reads,
Tribute to the Late Veteran Journalist, Ben Adaji
The passing of Ben Adaji marks the end of an era in journalism and public communication. He was more than a journalist; he was a dedicated professional whose commitment to truth, integrity, and excellence left an enduring mark on the media landscape.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ben Adaji exemplified the highest ideals of journalism. He informed, educated, and inspired countless people through his work, earning the respect of colleagues, public officials, and members of the community alike. His passion for accurate reporting and responsible journalism contributed significantly to the growth and credibility of the profession.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ben Adaji was known for his humility, wisdom, and willingness to mentor younger journalists. Many who had the privilege of working with him benefited from his guidance, encouragement, and wealth of experience. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the standards of excellence he championed.
As we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life well lived, a life devoted to service, truth, and the pursuit of knowledge. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and communicators.
May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his family, friends, and colleagues find comfort in the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
RIP
Ben Refused to Bend His Pen
By Fanen Ihyongo
I bow in grief at the passing of Chief Ben Adaji.
Adaji belonged to that rare breed of journalists who chased stories others feared to touch, shining light into corners where silence had taken root. His byline in The News carried weight because his work carried courage.
Combative when he needed to be, but principled always, controversy trailed him. In exposing societal evils, he was detained several times for his watch and for the words he put in black and white. But the cell doors only sharpened his resolve to return to the newsroom and speak for those who could not speak for themselves.
Whenever we were on Journalists’ Hangout, anchored by Yusuf Sanda, our audience would glue themselves to their TVs. They knew Adaji as a voice that refused to be bought or bullied. He understood that journalism, at its best, is an act of service.
Later in life, Adaji took his fight into politics and built friendships with leaders across the divide. It was a natural transition for a man who had spent decades diagnosing the ills of society and could no longer be content with merely reporting them.
Rooted to his people, Ben yesterday left Jalingo for Kogi and opened his home to his countrymen. When exhaustion finally caught up with him, he said, “Let me enter the room and rest.” It was a final rest.
The newsrooms will feel quieter without him. The public square lonelier. His still, but his stories will not be forgotten. He lived as he wrote. May he rest as he lived: in peace.
I am in pain! my Principal, Chief Ben Adaji. this was not our agreement. i want believe I am dreaming! you brought me to yourself, made me your Son and groomed me. its hard for me to accept you are no more!!!! Rest in Peace my Boss!!!!!
(Andrew).
Very sad!!! A veteran pen professional has gone.
The sudden death of Chief Ben Adaji is heartbreaking. He was more than a mentor to me and some other young people in journalism practice. His final statement in our last phone conversation about three months ago “Tafida, I’m always proud of you” continues to serve as a major motivation to me.
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Christy Ayagwa Adaji and the entire family for this irreplaceable loss.
Rest well Oga Ben Adaji .
My heart goes out to Christy Ayagwa, Uhuru, Ben Adaji’s family and indeed all Journalists over the sudden death of our friend and brother Chief Ben Adaji. You were a dedicated professional and good family man. Rest on my son in law. You lived an awesome life. Adieu Big Ben!
There are moments in life when words fail, and this is one of them.
I received with profound shock and deep sorrow the news of the passing of a colleague, and fellow journalist, Mr. Ben Adaji. His sudden departure has left a pain in my heart that is difficult to describe.
For more than two decades, Ben and I shared not only the journalism profession but also a common journey of service, sacrifice, and commitment to truth. We worked closely together in the media industry, stood side by side on many professional assignments, and shared memorable moments within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). Through the years, I came to know him as a man of courage, integrity, humility, and uncommon dedication to duty and warrior
Ben was one of those rare professionals whose passion for journalism was evident in everything he did. He was fearless in the pursuit of truth, hardworking beyond measure, and always willing to lend a helping hand to colleagues. His calm disposition, wealth of experience, and genuine concern for others earned him the respect and admiration of many.
Today, as I reflect on the countless memories we shared, I find it difficult to accept that I will no longer see his familiar smile, hear his voice, or share conversations about our beloved profession. The NUJ will not be the same without him,it has lost a committed foundation member, the media industry has lost a veteran journalist, and I have lost a dear companion whose fraternity I treasured deeply.
My heart goes out to his beloved wife, Mrs. Christy Ayagwa Adaji, my respected colleague, who stood faithfully by his side through the years. No words can truly ease the pain of losing a loving husband and life partner. I pray that God grants her and other family members the strength, courage, and comfort to bear this painful loss. May she find solace in the remarkable life Ben lived and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
I also extend my heartfelt condolences to his children, family members, friends, professional associates, and the entire journalism community. We share in this grief and mourn the loss of a man whose footprints will remain visible for generations to come.
Though Ben has departed from this world, his good works, his professional excellence, his kindness, and the memories he created will continue to live in our hearts.
Farewell, brother. Farewell, my in-law. Farewell, my colleague.
Your pen is laid to rest, your voice is silent, but your legacy will continue to impact and influence generations to come
Rest in peace, Ben Adaji. You will be greatly missed and fondly remembered
Tribute to Chief Ben Adaji
It is deeply painful to hear that you are no more, Chief Ben Adaji. Your passing is a great loss not only to your family but also to the Nigerian Union of Journalists and everyone whose life you touched.
I will always remember your words of encouragement. You often told me, “Be hardworking because very soon you will take over from us.” Those words inspired me and gave me confidence to keep striving for excellence.
I vividly remember the last time we spoke the very day you were traveling to Kogi State. My final words to you were, “Safe trip,” and you responded, “Safe trip too, my younger brother.” Little did I know that would be our last conversation.
Chief Ben Adaji, your wisdom, mentorship, kindness, and dedication to journalism will never be forgotten. You were more than a leader; you were a father figure, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to many.
May Almighty God grant your family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Nigerian Union of Journalists the strength to bear this painful loss. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
Farewell, Chief Ben Adaji. Your legacy lives on.
A Sad Loss to the Media Family
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we at Taraba Dailygraph announce the passing of our boss, senior colleague, and veteran journalist, Mr. Ben Adaji, who departed this life this evening.
Mr. Adaji was not only a respected media professional but also a mentor whose wealth of experience, wisdom, and dedication to journalism inspired many within and beyond the profession.
His passing is a painful loss to the media community, his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss and that the soul of our departed colleague rests in perfect peace.
Farewell, Mr. Ben Adaji. Your legacy will endure.