Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has expressed sadness over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Akpabio described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the country, acknowledging his contributions to journalism, public discourse and the development of online media.
The Senate President conveyed his condolences to Oladipo’s family, friends, colleagues and professional associates, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where the deceased served as Emeritus President.
In a condolence message, Akpabio described Oladipo as a courageous, principled and committed journalist who dedicated a significant part of his life to journalism and the pursuit of truth.
He said the veteran journalist’s work reflected a commitment to responsible reporting and the advancement of society.
“Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President said Oladipo’s sudden passing represented a major loss not only to his immediate family but also to the journalism profession and Nigeria.
He particularly recognised Oladipo’s role in the growth of online journalism and his efforts to promote professional standards within the media industry.
According to Akpabio, the late journalist’s commitment to professionalism, integrity and the public interest would remain an important part of his legacy.
He also reflected on Oladipo’s contribution to public discourse, describing him as a media professional whose work demonstrated the importance of a press that is willing to question, investigate and hold people in authority accountable.
Akpabio cited philosopher John Stuart Mill while reflecting on the importance of considering different perspectives in public discourse.
He said Oladipo understood the responsibility of a free press and demonstrated through his career that journalism could contribute to a better-informed society.
The Senate President said the late publisher believed in the ability of responsible journalism to contribute to democratic development.
According to him, Oladipo’s career showed that journalism guided by courage and conscience could help illuminate important issues in society and strengthen democratic values.
Akpabio said Oladipo’s impact would continue to be remembered by journalists and other media professionals who believe in the role of responsible journalism in national development.
He described the deceased’s contribution to online journalism as significant, particularly at a time when digital media has become an important part of Nigeria’s information landscape.
Oladipo was the publisher of The Eagle Online and was also involved in the activities of GOCOP, a professional body representing corporate online publishers in Nigeria.
His service as Emeritus President of the guild was specifically acknowledged by Akpabio in his condolence message.
The Senate President said the loss would be felt by members of the guild and the wider media community.
He extended his sympathy to Oladipo’s family, friends, colleagues and professional associates, asking them to find strength in the legacy he left behind.
Akpabio also called on journalists and other media professionals to continue the values that Oladipo represented during his career.
He urged members of the media to uphold and build upon the late journalist’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, courage and public interest.
The Senate President said doing so would ensure that Oladipo’s contribution to journalism continues to have an impact beyond his lifetime.
“His legacy will continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development,” Akpabio said.
He also prayed for the repose of Oladipo’s soul and asked God Almighty to give his family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.
The Senate President described the death as an irreparable loss and expressed his condolences to everyone who was connected to the veteran journalist.
Akpabio concluded his message with a prayer for the deceased, saying, “May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course.”
The condolence message was contained in a statement issued by Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity.
Oladipo’s death has brought renewed attention to his years of work in Nigerian journalism and his contribution to the development of online publishing.
For Akpabio, the late journalist’s professional journey represented the values of courage, integrity and commitment to public interest that should continue to guide the media.
His call to journalists to preserve those values also places Oladipo’s legacy within the wider responsibility of the Nigerian press to provide credible information, encourage public discussion and contribute to the country’s democratic development.
As condolences continue to reach the family and associates of the late publisher, Akpabio said his contributions to journalism and online media would remain part of the profession’s history.
The Senate President’s message therefore combined condolences over the sudden loss with recognition of Oladipo’s role in Nigerian journalism and an appeal for media practitioners to continue the principles for which he was remembered.
Akpabio Mourns Veteran Journalist, Dotun Oladipo
