SCAN, Ajayi, Jatto condole with NPA, family over death of ‘Texas’

By Temitope Adebiyi

The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), the former General Managers of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Michael Kayode Ajayi and Engr. Adams Jatto
have expressed deep sadness over the death of the official photographer of the Authority, Paul Erakhifu, popularly known as “Texas.”

SCAN and the former GMs extended their heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of the NPA, as well as the family of the deceased, describing his passing as a painful and significant loss.

Erakhifu reportedly slumped and died on Friday, May 1, after attending a departmental strategic meeting of the NPA and later participating in an excursion in Lagos.

In a statement jointly signed by the President of SCAN, Moses Ebosele, and Secretary, Shulammite Olowofoyeku, members of the association said they were shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of the veteran photographer.

The group described Erakhifu as a friendly personality who related well not only with colleagues in NPA but also with members of the maritime media community.

“We were deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Paul Erakhifu. He was a fine, talented, and highly professional photographer who vividly showcased the activities of the Nigerian Ports Authority through his lens,” the statement said.

SCAN noted that his dedication, energy, and unwavering commitment to duty were truly remarkable, adding that his death has created a significant void within the NPA.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the management, and staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority during this difficult time.
“May God Almighty grant him eternal rest and comfort his family, loved ones, and all of us with the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and irreplaceable loss,” SCAN said.

Also, the former General of Public Affairs of the Authority, Chief Ajayi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Erakhifu, he always referred to as ‘Texsas ‘.

In his condolence message, Chief Akayi commiserated with the board, management and staff of NPA, his family and the entire maritime industry.

Chief Ajayi described ‘Texas’ as a visionary and purposeful photographer who provided
worthy pictures for the high profile personalities that visited the NPA.

The former image maker of NPA prayed for the repose of his soul and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his family, the NPA and all those mourning his passing.

Also speaking with Spynews over the sudden death of ‘Texas’, a former General of Public Affairs of NPA, Engr. Jatto, said he was shocked and devastated of his death.

His words’ “what a world we are all living in?
This is shocking and devastating news of the death of Paul “Texas”.

Jatto described him as “a Gem of NPA corporate and strategic communication division who showcased the activities of the agency in a pictorial form to the whole world.

” A talented professional photographer with a sense of humor, a very hardworking individual, passionate about his job, and always willing to take up any assignment at a very short notice. Am personally touched by his demise and struggling hard to come to terms that this gentle and amiable man is no more. Indeed, to God we belong and to God we shall return.,” he said.

“May his soul rest in peace. May God give the family and his colleagues the fortitude to bear this great loss. Adieu Texas,” Jatto concluded.