Late Sapana Abui was the Director General for Information and Compliance at the Media Authority|Courtesy

The Chief Executive Officer of Eye Media, Stephen Omiri, has paid tribute to the late Director General for Information and Compliance at the Media Authority, Sapana Abui, describing him as an exceptional leader whose death is a great loss to South Sudan’s media fraternity.

Abui died late Saturday night at a hospital in Juba after a period of illness, his brother, the Rev. Repent Abraham Dominic, confirmed. He was receiving medical treatment for nearly two weeks before his death at 11:48 p.m. on Saturday.

In a statement on Sunday, Omiri said Abui’s death came as a shock and would leave a significant void in the country’s media sector.

“Today, we grieve the untimely death of a truly exceptional leader, Sapana Abui. His passing is a profound loss, a shock that words can scarcely navigate,” Omiri said.

The Eye Radio CEO said he had known Abui for nearly a decade, during which they worked closely to promote and strengthen independent media in South Sudan.

“We worked closely in building and bettering independent media in South Sudan,” he said.

Omiri described Abui as a leader of integrity and humility who treated everyone with respect regardless of age or gender.

“Sapana was a unique leader, a man of integrity whose humility was limitless. He carried a rare grace that allowed him to respect everyone equally, whether they were young or old, male or female,” he said.

He added that Abui’s leadership was marked by compassion and accessibility.

“In a world where leadership can often feel distant, Sapana was fiercely present, compassionate, and deeply caring,” Omiri said.

On behalf of Eye Radio and the wider media fraternity, Omiri extended condolences to Abui’s family and prayed for strength during their bereavement.

“On behalf of the Eye Radio family and the entire media fraternity, we extend our condolences to his immediate family and encourage them to find solace. May God strengthen you and comfort you during these difficult times,” he said.

“We will miss you deeply. May your soul rest in eternal and perfect peace.”

Abui served as Director General for Information and Compliance at the Media Authority after a long career in public service. He previously served as Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State and State Minister of Commerce, Trade and Investment, and was widely respected for his contributions to media development, public administration and church ministry.