Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu,Cln, ANIPR
(Danmalikin Shanono), Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State
I was shocked when I heard about the passing of one of my most loyal supporter and close professional colleagues, Mr Ted Odogwu of Punch Newspaper. Ted always called me, “The Chair Chair, I’m from Gwarzo too,” in his usual playful manner.
He was a peaceful and simple man—one of those rare colleagues who will never be forgotten.
Death has taken away many of our dearest bosses and elders—like Chief Madu West, Alhaji Bello Fagge, and Musa Ibrahim Beka. I’m certain that our retired senior colleague, Mr. Sunday Alu, now in his Ijumu country home, will find the news of Ted Odogwu’s passing just as shocking and painful.
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I first met Ted sometime in 2010, when he came to Kano as the correspondent for Compass Newspaper. At the time, I was serving as the secretary of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel.
Ted was an exceptional journalist—his thoughts and energy were always focused on newsgathering. One of the things I found most striking was his American-accented English, which never failed to impress me.
Together with Sorondinki, we were among his closest friends. We shared countless jokes and moments with him. He was not just a colleague; he was a brother in the Correspondents’ Chapel.
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After leaving Compass, Ted joined Punch Newspaper as its Kano correspondent. His beloved car, fondly nicknamed the “Marching Box,” became a mobile newsroom.
Inside it, you’d often find some of the finest journalists in Kano: Mr. Kolade Adeyemi of The Nation riding up front, with Nnmeribe Jerry, Jethro Katung, and Yakubu Salisu of the then Daily Times in the back seat. That car carried not just people, but ideas, headlines, and stories that shaped the news of the day.
Ted’s legacy is one of professionalism, friendship, and quiet strength. He will be sorely missed.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.