ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has announced the death of one of its veteran members, Matthew Ukachunwa, a senior journalist with New Nigerian Newspapers Ltd.
Ukachunwa passed away in the early hours of Monday, February 16, 2026, a development that has thrown the Nigerian media and health reporting community into mourning.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos, HEWAN described the late journalist as a pioneer member and a consummate professional and a pillar of the association, whose contributions helped shape the organisation and mentor younger reporters.
The association noted that Ukachunwa was widely respected for his calm disposition, firm principles, and exceptional mastery of journalism.
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It said he was meticulous in his reporting and approached every assignment with uncommon attention to detail, earning him admiration among colleagues.
HEWAN President, Vivian Ihechu, described Ukachunwa as a journalist whose professionalism and discipline stood out throughout his career.
“Matthew Ukachunwa was the definition of a stickler for time. His commitment to punctuality and professional ethics was legendary. He was a man who truly knew his work and delivered it with quiet excellence,” Ihechu said.
She added that the late journalist was a consistent presence at HEWAN activities, offering guidance and constructive advice, and was “never found absent in any of the association’s engagements and not just that, he was ALWAYS PROMPT.”
His death came as a shock to colleagues, particularly as he was actively involved in professional engagements days before his passing.
On Friday, February 13, 2026, Ukachunwa attended a capacity-building workshop organised by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) for health writers, where he received the ‘Early Bird’ cash prize for being among the first participants to arrive at the venue.
HEWAN extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, the management of New Nigerian Newspapers Ltd, and members of the journalism community nationwide.
The association also prayed for the repose of his soul and for strength for his family and loved ones to bear the loss.