Tinubu, NGE, others mourn Eagle Online publisher Dotun Oladipo

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the country.

The President’s condolence was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Oladipo, a former Political Editor of PUNCH Newspapers, died on Tuesday at the age of 56.

Tinubu acknowledged Oladipo’s contributions to political journalism and digital media, particularly his years of reporting and his efforts to provide Nigerians with credible information through traditional and online platforms.

The President said the late journalist’s career underscored the role of the media in strengthening democracy by keeping citizens informed, holding public officials accountable and providing avenues for public discourse.

“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 journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy,” Tinubu said.

He also recalled Oladipo’s contribution to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his career at PUNCH Newspapers.

Tinubu extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues and friends, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, where the deceased served as president from 2017 to 2021.

“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends. I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the President said.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Oladipo, describing his passing as a huge loss to the Nigerian journalism profession.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Grace Ike, the NUJ FCT Council said it received the news of Oladipo’s death with shock and sadness, noting that his demise at the age of 56 was painful and unfortunate.

“The NUJ FCT Council is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dotun Oladipo, a committed journalist, media entrepreneur, and respected colleague whose contributions to journalism, especially digital media, will remain memorable,” the statement read.

The Council said Oladipo distinguished himself in the media industry through his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the growth of journalism in Nigeria. It added that his death had created a huge vacuum in the Nigerian media space.

It extended heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, family, colleagues at The Eagle Online, and the entire Nigerian media community, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and asking God to grant all who mourn him the strength to bear the loss.

The statement further noted that his legacy of courage, professionalism, and service to the journalism profession would continue to inspire colleagues and younger journalists for years to come.