The Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. (Mrs.) Chinedum Peace Babalola, has announced the demise of Mr. Gbenga Emmanuel Ariba, a lecturer in the department of Mass Communication of the institution.

He died on March 10, 2021 at the age of 66 years old.

Gbenga Ariba was a veteran broadcaster, advertising practitioner and a scriptwriter.

He acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan in1977, a PGD in Mass Communication in 1997 at University of Lagos, Akoka-Lagos, and a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1982 at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

As at the time of his departure, he was rounding off his PhD. Thesis at the University of Ibadan.

The ace broadcaster joined Radio Nigeria, Lagos in 1978 where he served as a producer, senior producer and principal producer for series of programmes.

He rose to the position of station manager before he left for advertising.

He worked with Lintas Advertising Firm from 1990 to 1995 as a Senior Manager.

During his lifetime, he wrote over 20 plays and over 10 satirical and pungent drama series for both television and radio programmes.

He was best known for his prominent role as Jimoh Oko Salamotu in Long Throat Junction, a radio drama series which ran from 1979 to 1980.

He also wrote scripts and produced jingles for different programmes at NTA, Lagos between 1980 and 1985

The scriptwriter served as a lecturer at Lagos State University, FRCN Training School, Lagos, and Crescent University before joining Chrisland University in 2017.

Prof. Babalola on behalf of the Chrisland University community commiserates with his family, friends and associates on this irreplaceable loss.

She prays that the Almighty God gives the family and all, the soothing comfort to bear this great loss.