The cold hand of death moved into one of the leading Deposit Money Institutions, Guaaranty Trust Bank, GTB on Sunday and plucked Mr. Idoko Negedu, Head of the banks’s Corporate Communications/External Affairs department.
Born on July 25, 1979, Idoko died on Suinday June 14, 2020 after what is described as a “brief illness.” A native of Kogi State, Idoko, a consummate photography enthusiast, went to Federal Government College, Jos, Pleatue State before he proceeded to the University of Jos for a degree in Applied Chemistry. Before GTB, he has worked in Akintola Williams and Co; Unilever and Delliote West Africa.
Since his demise on Sunday, there has been a deluge of tears and tributes from colleagues, friends and the media. On a website, foreevermissedu.com, created by friends in his honour, Philomina Yada said: “Idoko: The Lion of Igalaland has gone to be with his maker. A very rude shock. You quietly bade me farewell and I didn’t know. Heaven has gained but , what do we do as humans?…
I thank God for you and the marks you have left in the sands of time. You were a loving man with a beautiful heart…”
Also, Brenda Chinwe on her part said: “Sad how fickle life can be. Just very little interaction I had with you at the clinic here in Lagos, while we joked on how you sustained a sprain/dislocation on your foot just because of a rat. You had a sweet gentle spirit. Rest well Mr Negedu.”
Ayodele Aminu, Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers and Don Okere, Editor of Daily Independent Newspaper on their facebook pages prayed for the repose of his soul.
On his part, Nwachukwu Iheanyi, Capital Market Editor of BusinessDay Newspaaper wrote: “Idoko Negedu, I can’t believe you’re gone. What a world, empty world!!!. Chai, a very kind and gentle man in corporate communications. Death why this good man…”
According to Kunle Ajayi, Photo Editor of Independent Newspapers, “I met him in few occasions and he humbled me with exceptional kindness. He redefined PR. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.”
Meanwhile, hours after the news broke, many of the blogs and websites that published the story started pulling it down following what they termed “a call from somebody in the bank”. There had been no explanation from the bank since then.