By Our Reporter
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has expressed profound sadness over the sudden death of veteran journalist and publisher, Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a huge loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation.
Yilwatda, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, said Oladipo’s death had created a painful void at a time when the country needed experienced, courageous and responsible voices in journalism.
Oladipo, a respected journalist and prominent figure in Nigeria’s media industry, reportedly died suddenly on Tuesday after taking ill at his office.
His death was subsequently confirmed by the President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Danlami Nmodu, who announced the development on the guild’s WhatsApp platform.
The APC National Chairman said Oladipo’s contribution to the development of Nigerian journalism, particularly his commitment to professional excellence, credible reporting and the advancement of the media industry, would remain indelible.
Yilwatda described the late journalist as more than a media professional, saying he understood the enormous responsibility of journalism to society and remained committed to using the profession to inform citizens, hold institutions accountable and strengthen democracy.
“Dotun Oladipo was not merely a journalist; he was a committed professional who understood the enormous responsibility of the media to society. His sudden departure is deeply painful and has understandably thrown the Nigerian media industry into mourning,” he said.
According to him, Oladipo brought professionalism, courage and intellectual depth to his work and remained committed to the ideals of journalism as an instrument for informing citizens, holding institutions accountable and strengthening democracy.
“His death is a significant loss not only to his family, colleagues and friends, but also to Nigeria’s democratic project and the broader media community,” Yilwatda added.
The APC chairman commiserated with Oladipo’s family, colleagues, friends and the entire Nigerian media fraternity, urging them to take solace in the enduring legacy he left behind.
He prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“On behalf of my family, the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Dotun Oladipo and the entire Nigerian media. May God grant him eternal rest and comfort all those he left behind,” the APC National Chairman said.
Oladipo was the publisher of The Eagle Online, former Sunday Editor of the defunct Nigerian Compass, and a former Political Editor of The PUNCH newspaper.
