Andrew Zangina: Galaxy TV journalist buried in Kaduna, colleagues seek support for children

The remains of Andrew Zangina, a video journalist with Galaxy Television, were on Wednesday laid to rest in Kaduna, as colleagues, friends and associates mourned a media professional whose death followed a prolonged illness that reportedly exhausted much of his financial resources.

Zangina, who died on Friday, September 25, 2026, left behind a widow and four children, two of whom are currently in tertiary institutions. Blueprint reports

His burial brought together members of his family, colleagues and friends, who gathered to pay their final respects to the deceased and reflect on his years of service in the media industry.

Beyond the grief, however, attention has turned to the welfare of the family he left behind, particularly the education of his children, following the financial difficulties that accompanied his prolonged illness.

Ten years of service and brotherhood

For Bosan Yakusak, Galaxy Television’s Kaduna Correspondent and Zangina’s boss, the death represents the loss of a colleague whose relationship with him went far beyond the workplace.

In a tribute titled, “A Tribute to Andrew Zangina: Ten Years of Loyalty, Service and Brotherhood,” Yakusak described the deceased as a friend, brother, confidant and dependable colleague who served with loyalty, dedication and integrity for about a decade.

He recalled Zangina’s diligence and cheerful disposition, saying he gave the best years of his professional life to serving others.

Yakusak also reflected on the deceased’s prolonged health battle, saying Zangina confronted his condition with courage, dignity and unwavering faith.

According to him, the video journalist spent virtually all he had seeking treatment before eventually succumbing to the illness.

Yakusak expressed particular concern about the family’s situation, appealing to government, institutions and well-meaning Nigerians to assist the widow and children.

He specifically called for educational scholarships to enable the children to continue their studies and build a future despite the loss of their father.

CPS visits bereaved family

Following news of the death, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Mallam Ibrahim Musa visited the family home to convey his condolences.

The CPS said he personally went to the house after receiving the shocking news and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family.

He also made a personal donation to the family, providing immediate assistance at a difficult moment.

His visit came as colleagues continued to reflect on the circumstances surrounding Zangina’s death and the needs of the family following the prolonged illness.

Government support anticipated

Speaking about possible government intervention, the CPS described Governor Uba Sani as a media-friendly governor and expressed confidence that the governor would do something for the family.

He said the relationship between the Kaduna State Government and journalists had remained cordial because the governor recognised the media as a critical stakeholder in the development of the state.

According to him, the administration appreciates the role of journalists in informing citizens and contributing to the development process.

He also referenced the administration’s relationship with the Nigeria Union of Journalists and professional bodies such as the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

The comments have raised expectations that the state government could consider an appropriate intervention for Zangina’s family, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his prolonged illness and the children he left behind.

NUJ, CMF mourn

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists had earlier announced Zangina’s death in a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Gambo Santos Sanga.

The council expressed condolences to the family, colleagues and Galaxy Television, describing the death as a loss to the journalism community. It also disclosed that burial arrangements would be communicated by the family.

The Christian Media Forum equally mourned the deceased in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and National Secretary, Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia.

The forum described Zangina as a dedicated and committed media professional whose contribution extended beyond his professional responsibilities.

It commended his hard work, professionalism and dedication, noting that he also contributed to promoting peaceful coexistence, understanding and tolerance among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

The children left behind

The circumstances surrounding Zangina’s final years have made the future of his children a major concern among those who knew him.

Two of the four children are already in tertiary institutions, where the financial demands of tuition, accommodation, books and other academic requirements can be substantial.

With the illness having reportedly placed a heavy financial burden on the family before his death, sustaining their education could present a significant challenge.

It is against this background that Yakusak’s appeal for scholarships and broader assistance has assumed particular significance.

Such support, if provided, would help ensure that the children are able to continue their education while giving the widow greater stability as she adjusts to life without her husband.

A colleague remembered

For those who worked with Zangina, his professional identity was only part of what they remember.

Yakusak’s tribute portrays a man whose decade of service was built around loyalty, friendship and commitment, qualities that made his relationship with his colleagues personal as well as professional.

His death has therefore left a void within Galaxy Television’s Kaduna operations and among the wider media community.

But as the funeral rites end, the enduring question is what becomes of the family he left behind.

For colleagues, supporting the children through their education would provide a meaningful continuation of the values Zangina demonstrated throughout his years of service.

As family, friends and colleagues bid him farewell, attention is now turning from mourning to the responsibility of ensuring that his children are given the opportunity to complete their education and pursue their own futures.