*Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, describes late Dotun Oladipo as a journalist of considerable experience and intellectual depth, who devoted several decades to the advancement of the profession in Nigeria
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has said it received with profound shock and sadness the death of Mr. Dotun Oladipo, a distinguished journalist, Publisher of The Eagle Online and former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
The Union said Oladipo’s death was a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and the country at large.
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The NUJ noted that a time when journalism requires courage, professionalism, integrity and commitment to democratic values, the media industry has lost one of its dedicated practitioners and advocates.
Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, President of NUJ, in a statement, described the deceased as a journalist of considerable experience and intellectual depth, who devoted several decades to the profession.
He distinguished himself through his commitment to credible journalism, public accountability, and the advancement of the media industry.
The statement noted that as the Publisher of The Eagle Online, Oladipo was at the forefront of the growth of digital journalism in Nigeria.
The NUJ also stated that he understood the changing media landscape, and played a significant role in strengthening online journalism and ensuring that digital platforms remains important vehicles for informing the public and holding institutions accountable.
The Union further said the latest publisher’s leadership of GOCOP also demonstrated his commitment to the professionalisation of online publishing and the promotion of responsible journalism.
According to NUJ, late Oladipo believed in the capacity of the media to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“The NUJ considers his death a major setback to the journalism profession.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Dotun was a colleague, mentor, advocate and friend to many within the media fraternity,” the statement noted.
The Union as well said his contributions would continue to resonate long after his passing.
Abdullahi, President of NUJ stated: “On behalf of the National Executive Council of the NUJ and the entire Nigerian journalism community, I extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, members of GOCOP, his professional associates, friends and colleagues.
“At this moment of grief, we urge the family to take solace in the remarkable legacy he left behind and the many lives he touched through his journalism and leadership.”
The President of NUJ also averred that Dotun Oladipo’s voice may have been silenced, but his contributions to Nigerian journalism would continue to speak for him.
May Almighty God grant his family, colleagues and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Opeifa, NRC CEO: Oladipo’s death a great loss to media industry, Nigeria
Likewise, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has described the sudden death of Dotun Oladipo, former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), as a great loss to the Nigeria’s media industry and to the nation.
Oladipo, former Politics Editor of The Punch Newspaper was until his death the Publisher of The Eagle Online, member of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the International Press Institute (IPI).
He died last Tuesday few hours after getting to his office.
The deceased was said to have collapsed in his car on the way to the hospital, and efforts at reviving him failed.
Dr. Opeifa said the deceased’s contributions to journalism, particularly his dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to repositioning the digital media space from the onslaught of charlatans and people of questionable character which gave birth to the guild of journalists which greatly helped in sanitising Nigeria’s digital media space would never be forgotten.
The Managing Director of NRC described Oladipo’s professional career as one that reflected the important role journalists play in informing citizens, holding public officials to account, while providing a robust platform for public discourse.
He recalls the deceased’s passion for his profession and his contributions to the growth of digital journalism.
Opeifa stated that Dotun’s death at 56 was a painful loss to the industry where he had emerged as a critical thought leader, game changer, and to Nigeria which has lost a light in the critical media which he represented.
Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) at NRC, stated Dr. Opeifa further said: “Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation.
“He was a committed believer in Nigeria’s democracy and through his public discourse you can see through him as a patriot who loves and is willing to protect public causes.”
He stated: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his dearest wife, his children, members of his family and his fitness and colleagues for this irreparable loss.
“I pray that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and family the fortitude to bear the loss.
“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will certainly not be forgotten.”