Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has expressed profound grief over the death of Chief Ben Adaji, a respected name in Taraba media circles, who passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at his country home in Kogi State at the age of 67.
The governor described the loss as a major blow to the late journalist’s immediate family and the entire media community in the state. He hailed Adaji as a forthright journalist who remained committed to the core principles of the profession throughout his career.
Dr. Kefas noted that Adaji played a vital role in defending free speech in Taraba through his courageous reporting and strict adherence to journalistic ethics.
According to sources, Adaji died around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at his residence in Abo-Ojikpadala, Imane District, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. Until his death, he worked with The News Magazine, The Nation, and National Trail. He also served as the Taraba State correspondent for Al Jazeera Nigeria Newspaper.
The governor recalled that Adaji once chaired the Taraba State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ. He held the traditional title of Abujah of Oda Ojiji Imane in the Imane community, Olamaboro LGA, Kogi State, where his reign was recognized for promoting cultural heritage and community development.
Over several decades, Adaji built a distinguished career marked by ethical reporting, professional integrity, and mentorship of young journalists. Dr. Kefas paid tribute to his courage in holding power to account, especially during the military era, and described him as a hero of democracy and a model of journalistic excellence.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and friends. According to Fanen Ihyongo, “Adaji belonged to a rare breed of journalists who pursued stories others feared. His byline in The News carried weight because his work carried courage. Detentions only sharpened his resolve. He lived as he wrote.”
Taraba DailyGraph stated, “Mr. Adaji was a mentor whose wisdom and dedication inspired many. His passing is a painful loss to the media community.”
Chief Ben Adaji is survived by his wife, Mrs. Christy Ayagwa Adaji, children, and a legacy of fearless journalism and service to the community.
