Tributes are pouring in for Somtochukwu Maduagwu, the 29-year-old ARISE Television anchor and lawyer whose tragic death during a robbery attack in Abuja on Monday has thrown the media industry and the nation into mourning.
In a statement on Tuesday, the management of ARISE described Maduagwu as “delectable, intelligent and bold,” stressing that her contributions to journalism and national discourse would not be forgotten.
Fondly called “Sommie” by her colleagues, Maduagwu first came into the spotlight after winning the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant. She later represented the country at the Miss Tourism World event in Quanzhou, China, in 2023.
Her journey into journalism began in earnest when she joined ARISE in September 2024. Within a short period, she made her mark as a news anchor, producer, and reporter, combining her legal background with a passion for advocacy.
“She used her platform to campaign for out-of-school children and fought tirelessly against sexual and gender-based violence,” ARISE noted in its tribute.
Maduagwu’s death has left a void not only in the newsroom but also in the broader fight for justice and social reforms, causes to which she dedicated her brief but impactful career.
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