Professor Umaru Pate, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, has eulogised late veteran journalist, Chief Timawus Mathias, describing him as a “quintessential model and one of the finest television producers and media managers in the country.”
Pate, who is a professor of Media and Society, said this while delivering a speech during a tribute session organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Yola on Thursday.
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“Timawus Mathias was a born broadcaster who joined the Radio Television Kaduna (RTK) after a short stint at the Radio Voice of the Gospel in the late 1960s and 70s,” the don recalled. “He attended primary and secondary schools in Numan and Yola and received his professional training from the BBC Training School in London, Institute of Journalism in Budapest, Hungary and the Nigerian Television College, Jos, in addition to dozens of short term capacity enhancement exercises.”
He added: “With dint of hard work and passionate professional competence, he rose through the ranks from RTK through the NTA Network News Department to become the General Manager of NTA Yola and the acting Managing Director of NTA Zone E in Maiduguri.
“He retired in 1991 to establish his media business which prospered satisfactorily with significant interest in production, publishing, training, media entrepreneurship and consultancy services and events management, among others. His services excelled with national visibility and international linkages.
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“He gladly empowered many, in words, pictures and deeds. Today, his imprints on the media landscape of the country are many. They are easily distinguishable by the unique stamp of the Mathias quality and ethical orientation.”
In close, Pate said it was a great honour and privilege to commemorate the life and time of the chief.
Hafsah Muhammed Ibrahim, from Bauchi State, is a literary enthusiast and an advocate for women’s rights. As the Editor and Lead Podcaster at WikkiTimes, she draws on her background in Sociology and Education to create compelling narratives that amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
An avid Scrabble player and tea enthusiast, Hafsah blends her passion for storytelling with a strong commitment to driving social change.
