The media fraternity of Papua New Guinea today paid their last respects to one of the country’s most outstanding journalists, the Late Oseah Philemon.
Known to many as OP, he was an instrumental figure, promoting the freedom of press in his journalism career.
All these accorded him the respect to be one of the country’s best.
OP was also a key player in the anti-guns campaign in Papua New Guinea.
He was the longest serving Editor, and Editor in Chief, of the Post Courier Newspaper and also served as President of the PNG Media Council.
Family, friends, public figures and the media fraternity gathered at the Rev Sione Kami Memorial Church to bid their final farewell to the Late Oseah Philemon.
Known to many as OP, he served the industry for more than 30 years building vast experiences in journalism.
In his career as a journalist, he pushed for freedom of the press, with an eye for conveying issues that needed to be addressed through his pen and notebook.
An example was his contributions to the Guns Control Committee. Through this; it was also the beginning of friendship with former PNG Defence Force Commander Jerry Singirok.
Mr Singirok said the late OP was a man of his own caliber.
“He was a bit of a rare kind to run a story and remain persistent,” said Singirok.
As a well-respected journalist, OP was a member of the PNG Media Council and was once President.
Paying tribute to him today, PNG Media Council, Alexander Rheeney, said the late OP was the ultimate journalist, who left behind a big legacy.
He described him as someone who translated for a better PNG through the Post Courier.
Apart from his professional career as a journalist, he was also a member of the National Library and National Archives, and served as Chairman in 2004.
“He was known as a man passionate about literacy and library reading,” said the Director of National Library, Kaikato Kaso.
The late OP from Labu, in Morobe Province, passed away over a week ago and is survived by five children and fifteen grandchildren.
