The body of late Eye Radio journalist Emmanuel Joseph Akile lies at St. Theresa Cathedral during a requiem mass on Saturday January 3, 2026. File Photo

Members of the media fraternity, public officials and diplomats this morning (Saturday January 3, 2026)  joined Eye Radio and the family of Emmanuel Joseph Akile for a requiem mass at St. Theresa Cathedral Catholic Church in Juba.

The mass was held to pray for the soul of the late Dawn Show presenter, ahead of his burial later today.

Akile, an acclaimed radio journalist, died on Tuesday December 30, 2025 at a Gudele hospital after a short illness. He was aged 36.

A Catholic by faith, Akile’s body was brought to St. Theresa Cathedral for final prayers before his burial at his family residence in Gurei suburb of Juba.

Those who attended the requiem mass included the leader of the National Democratic Movement and former Minister of Transport, Dr Lam Akol Ajawin, the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, Paulino Lukudu Obede, the US Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler, and the Central Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication, among others.

Eye Radio Chief Executive Officer Stephen Omiri Obuor, Eye Radio staff and members of Akile’s family also attended the prayers.

The requiem mass was presided over by Bishop Santo Lukudu Pio, the auxiliary bishop of Juba Diocese.

Tributes have continued to pour in from well-wishers across the country mourning Akile, who for over a decade presented the Dawn Show, Eye Radio’s flagship programme focusing on current affairs.

Among senior officials who paid tribute to him are the Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, and the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony.

Akile will be laid to rest later today at his family residence in Gurei suburb of Juba.