“Joetan, I’m no longer coming back to the North, Imo people love me so much. I am going to buy a piece of land here in Imo, build my house and live in Imo”
Those were the words of late Hot 99.5 FM Owerri presenter Raymond Ayuba to his brother Joetan before his death.
According to Joetan, who is also a radio presenter with Cool FM Kano State, his brother had called him months before his death, explaining how comfortable he was at Imo State and how he wished not to come home again to the North.
He made the comment while giving vote of thanks during a Service of Songs organized in honour of his late brother at the premises of Hot 99.5 FM Owerri on Sunday 27, January 2013.
Also speaking, the proprietress of Spectrum Broadcasting Cooperation, the owners of Hot 99.5 FM Owerri, Senator Chris Anyanwu, said that man does not last forever, but the important thing is what the person does with the time he is given.
“Ayuba’s life was very short, very short indeed. But in that short time, he made a mark in the minds of people and that is why everyone is here today. That is a lesson for all of us; you do not need millions to be remembered for good. Money is not your power, but what you do and how you do it” she said, while addressing the crowd at the event which was more of official farewell to the anchor man of the popular birthday show who died on December 22, 2012.
Senator Anyanwu extolled the qualities of Raymond Ayuba, saying he is one of the best presenters in Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. She still assured that the family of the deceased will be taken care of.
“For the young family he left behind, it is our responsibility to make sure that they don’t suffer, and we will do our best”
I believe that God who gave Ayuba the talent he had, will be there to father and provide for them.
Joetan also urged the people of Imo to support the family of his late brother in any way they can.
Raymond Ayuba is survived by his wife Helen Ayuba, a business woman, and two children David and Venessa who are both secondary school students.
In a tribute, the son of the late Ayuba, David described his father as a mentor and great man.
a cross section of guest at the event
Friends and colleagues of late Ayuba
David and Vanessa reading their tribute to their late dad
Family of Late Ayuba
Prayer for the family
Senator Chris Anyanwu addressing the crowd
the family singing