…A great loss to Nigerian journalism
BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI
*Dotun Oladipo
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has received with profound shock and sadness the death of a distinguished journalist, publisher of The Eagle Online and former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Mr. Dotun Oladipo.
His death is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and the country at large. At 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.
Dotun Oladipo was 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.
As Publisher of The Eagle Online, he was at the forefront of the growth of digital journalism in Nigeria. He understood the changing media landscape and played a significant role in strengthening online journalism and ensuring that digital platforms remained important vehicles for informing the public and holding institutions accountable.
His leadership of GOCOP also demonstrated his commitment to the professionalisation of online publishing and the promotion of responsible journalism. He 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. His contributions will continue to resonate long after his passing.
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.
Dotun Oladipo’s voice may have been silenced, but his contributions to Nigerian journalism will continue to speak for him.
May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and grant his family, colleagues and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi
President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)