EDITORIAL Board of the Plateau Publishing Corporation (PPC), Publishers of THE NIGERIA STANDARD Newspapers on Monday eulogized the out-gone Managing Editor, Mr. Katdapba Y Gobum who retired from service after reaching the age of sixty (60) years.
The colourful ceremony took place at the Corporation’s Headquarters in Jos and was graced by the General Manager, PPC, Dr. Boniface Gwotbit, KSM and other members of the Editorial Board.
Dr. Gwotbit said that, ‘Mr. Gobum was one of the dedicated staff and his duty is a good example for many of us in the Corporation’ adding ‘that even after retirement, he always comes around to assist in production which all of us have to learn from and wish him success in his endeavours’.
The GM on behalf of management and staff of the organization ‘sincerely appreciate you and as you go, we wish you the best in your future endevours’ and also urged him to make himself available when called upon.
In their respective farewell remarks, the Editorial Board members eulogized Mr. Gobum for his show of love as they will miss his advice, help, love, teachings and corrections in a hard way in the course of work, which really brought out the best in them, most especially news writing and feature writing.
“It is too hard to say goodbye,” but it is always inevitable in our lives. There is a saying that “in order to discover new ocean you have to decide on the show”, I believe Standard is the new side show that you may discover your new ocean” our prayer for you is that God should live you to discover your new ocean that would make you inspire more better in your later life because the scripture tells us that “our later life is only better than the former. Therefore, we believe that your later will be greater than the former and God will give you the grace to shine in your later life”.
Those who commented were Mr. Paul Jatau, Acting Managing Editor, Mrs. Francisca Adidi, Sunday Editor, Mr. Bulus Gambo, News Editor and Mrs. Jennifer Yarima. Others include, Mr. Victor Ali, Mrs. Henrietta Gonzuk, Mrs. Lucy Chindaba, Mrs. Yvonne Ishola and Mr. Andre Bisyit.
On his part, the Acting Managing Editor, Mr. Paul Jatau said that, they started the journey in PPC together with Mr. Gobum, but today, he is leaving him behind. We thank you for your services and friendship rendered and whatever you put your hands to do, may God increase it in Jesus’ name.
Responding, the out-gone Managing Editor, Mr. Katdapba Gobum said that, he was deeply touched by the Board’s show of love, even as he has never claimed to know the profession more than others. ‘This is one place that over the years I have enjoyed reading other people’s work and how they write’.
Gobum added that, “in life you will be disappointed and don’t give up if you really want to learn. Standard is a place you will learn. As an Editor, I have done whatever any Editor would do, as some will say that, I made things difficult for some, ‘yes I am may have’, but unconsciously because no Editor will want to go home and leave the work uncompleted, I have never seen one yet, in that process you will need to shout to get things done.
He further stated that “grace will always come to anyone that is willing to receive such a grace” he prayed for grace to work while with Standard and God gave him the grace, he prayed to know season and time and God gave him to work in Standard. Above all, he prayed to have friendship with people and God gave him a number of them here in Standard, for that he is grateful.
“It is hard to say goodbye, it’s the title of my article I’ve been writing for the past three weeks. It is so hard to say it, but of course I have to go, the time has come and I have to go and rest because I have reached the years of resting’.
Mr. Katdapba Gobum had in the course of service edited THE NIGERIA STANDARD, SUNDAY STANDARD and THE NIGERIA STANDARD ON SATURDAY
The ceremony witnessed presentation of gift from Editorial Board and group picture.
