Legendary journalist and a former General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Warri, Mr. Eric James, is dead.
According to family sources, Mr James died Sunday, January 31, in Agbor at the age of 70.
Late Mr. James attended the famous
London school of Journalism, where he launched a phenomenal career in media, beginning with Scotland Yard tabloid.
He returned to Nigeria in the 70s and joined the Bendel Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Benin-based Nigerian Observer as a pioneering editorial staff – rising to the top echelon.
The former General Manager of DBS subsequently moved over to Bendel Television when it was launched in 1981, and established the news and current affairs unit, thus opening a glorious stint in broadcast journalism – culminating in his appointment as Chief executive officer of DBS Warri on the 26th of March 2009.
He was best known for his lucid, racy and colourful writings on contemporary issues and also earned high reputation and critical acclaim for his masterful hosting of the popular “BBS TV GUEST”; a current Affairs Programme which was re-christened “DBS TV GUEST” following the creation of Delta state in 1991. He iconically hosted the programme – one of the longest running television programmes in the defunct Bendel and later Delta – where he interviewed hundreds of personages including the military and civilian governors as well as captains of industry, frontline traditional rulers, religious leaders, and celebrities.
He also created a flagship programme on Delta Radio,”Make Country Better” a didactic talk show on the ills and fortunes, trials and triumphs of the Nigerian society.
He had an eventful journalism profession, which took him to Britain, Bulgaria and several parts of Africa.
The late Mr James retired as General Manager of DBS, Warri on October, 25 2010.
He is survived by his wife, Irene; several children, grand children and relations.