It was all fun and fanfare as journalists, family members and friends celebrate former Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ike Wigodo who recently turned 60
By Jude Nzennaya
It was a gathering of media professionals, family members and friends as former Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Ikechukwu Wigodo, celebrated his 60th birthday in grand style at the 3rd Avenue Event Center, Agip Estate, Port Harcourt.
The celebration, which attracted journalists from across Rivers State, was filled with goodwill messages, tributes and thanksgiving as the celebrant marked the diamond milestone after three decades of not celebrating his birthday.
Born and raised in Rumuwoji Town, Oro-Abali Rebisi in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Wigodo holds an NCE, an OND in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the Rivers State College of Education, now Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni.
He began his career in the public service as a Radio Operator before joining the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The Tide Newspapers. He rose from the Library to the Newsroom as a Reporter, where he earned a reputation for fearless and courageous investigative journalism.
He covered the aviation sector for nine years, interacting with political leaders, business executives and government officials in Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Imo states and anchored Aviation Half Hour on the Rivers State Television (RSTV).
In 1997, his investigative report titled, 30 Corpses Exhumed From PH Cemetery generated public outrage and led to his suspension and redeployment to the Library. He was recalled to the Newsroom in 2000 by the then Editor-in-Chief. In 2009, he was redeployed to The Tide headquarters where he served as Assistant Political Editor.
In 2018, he was elected Secretary of the NUJ, Rivers State Council, a position he held for two terms. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society for the Internet.
Guests at the event described Wigodo as a gentleman to the core, very respectful, humane and mature, adding, “He is an honest and friendly fellow with a listening ear. Ike is a gentleman to the core,” one colleague said, a sentiment echoed by many friends and family members present.”
After retiring from the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Wigodo founded Ikewigos News, an online platform where he serves as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief.
Outside journalism, he remains active as a community leader, human rights activist, political strategist and social critic with a strong presence on social media. He enjoys reading, writing, travelling and watching movies.
Wigodo, who stated that the celebration was deeply personal, said, “This celebration is very significant to me because I have not celebrated my birthday in the last three decades and my decision to celebrate it now is deeply personal. Today, I thank God for seeing me through it all.”
