The Nimba Community Radio Association (NICORA) has lost one of its members, Joseph Ben Kerkula.
Kerkula, Manager of Truth FM in Nimba died on April 13, at the John F. Kennedy Referral Hospital in Monrovia, where he was undergoing treatments for severe injuries sustained from an accident he was involved in, while returning home from the Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR)’s elective congress, held on March 30, in Kakata, Margibi.
He along with a colleague, Kanny Ziamo were riding on a motorcycle when it veered off the road, resulting in injuries. Despite receiving medical treatments at a medical facility in Kakata, and later transferred to the J.F.K. Memorial Hospital, Kerkulah’s injuries were too severe, leading to his death.
Prior to his demise, Kerkula also served as Nimba’s Coordinator for the Press Union of Liberia.
Several community radio journalists have continued to pay tribute to their fallen colleague.
“This was not the plan big brother Kerkulah Joe. After a successful election in Kakata a few weeks ago, we all planned to meet again, but it has turned into a disheartening moment for the media. The words are still in my ears, and I will forever remember you in my heart. SAD Night, disappointing Night, tears, and stressful time. Rest on until we meet,” wrote AIbert M. Fania, a reporter at Super Bongese FM in Gbarnga, Bong County.
Another journalist from Nimba, Nyan Flomo, Jr., also wrote, “Big brother Joseph Kerkulah, what went wrong. Still can’t believe what I’m hearing about you. You told me that day when I visited you at the herbalist that things were going to be better. How come big brother? This can’t be true…”
Press Union of Liberia (PUL) acting secretary, Akoi Baysah couldn’t comprehend information of the journalist’s death. “This is still unbelievable that you have expired from this world Kerkulah Joe. Rest in power broother,” he noted.
While details of his funeral are still being finalized, NICORA has called on radio stations in the region to dedicate 30 minutes of airtime for an SOS call for contributions for his family, and a befitting funeral rite.