Akile’s Final Journey in Gurei
Veteran broadcaster Emmanuel Joseph Akile, 36, was buried Saturday at his family home in Gurei after succumbing to a brief illness on 30 December 2025.
A packed requiem mass at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba reflected his national reach, drawing mourners from government, opposition, civil society and the diplomatic corps.
National Figures Pay Tribute in Juba
Former minister Dr. Lam Akol, Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu, U.S. Ambassador Michael Adler and state spokesperson Nyarsuk Patrick joined Eye Radio colleagues to honor what one speaker called “a voice that carried responsibility”.
Auxiliary Bishop Santo Lukudu Pio led prayers, praising Akile’s calm demeanor and insisting that journalism “remains a vocation of service, not spectacle”.
Career Highlights of Eye Radio Star
Akile joined Eye Radio in 2013 and took over The Dawn Show three years later, becoming a morning companion for millions eager for balanced news during fragile transition periods.
He moderated broadcasts on Addis Ababa peace talks and the recent Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi, earning a 2023 Junub Talent Award as Radio Journalist of the Year.
Enduring Impact on South Sudan’s Media
Peers recall his insistence on fact-checking and his refusal to inflame tensions, qualities that helped Eye Radio emerge as one of South Sudan’s most trusted outlets.
With the country still navigating peace implementation, many listeners see his legacy as an enduring blueprint for dialogue-driven journalism that advances accountability without sacrificing civility.