Sampson Iheanyi Amaku, a former City Editor of Daily Times newspapers in the 1970s, has been confirmed dead.

Amaku, popularly known as Sampen, who hails from Eziama Ancient Kingdom, in lsiala Mbano Local government Area of Imo State, died last week at the age of 86, after a brief illness.

The demise of the deceased was contained in a statement signed by his family members, Comfort Amaku and Henry Amaku.

Amaku, before his death, was the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in the defunct East Central State Council.

During his regime as chairman, the then Administrator of East Central State, Ajie Ukpabi Asika, donated the present NUJ Press Centre, Enugu, and the entire outer space of the building to the state council.