The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, has described the death of former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Dotun Oladipo, as a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the country.
Oladipo, who was formerly the Politics Editor of The Punch newspaper, was the publisher of The Eagle Online until his death. He was also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the International Press Institute.
The veteran journalist reportedly died suddenly on Tuesday, shortly after arriving at his office. He was said to have collapsed in his car while being taken to hospital, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Reacting to the development, Opeifa commended Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of political reporting and efforts to promote professionalism in Nigeria’s digital media industry.
He noted that Oladipo played a significant role in efforts to sanitise the online publishing space and counter the activities of individuals he described as charlatans and people of questionable character.
According to Opeifa, Oladipo’s contribution to the establishment and growth of GOCOP helped strengthen standards within Nigeria’s digital media sector.
The NRC boss described the late journalist’s professional career as a reflection of the important role of the media in informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for meaningful public discourse.
Opeifa also recalled Oladipo’s passion for journalism and his commitment to the development of digital media, describing him as a critical thought leader and a game changer whose death had created a significant void in the industry.
“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,” Opeifa said.
He extended his condolences to Oladipo’s wife, children, family members, friends and colleagues, praying for strength for them to bear the loss.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his dearest wife, his children, members of his family and his friends and colleagues for this irreparable loss.
“I pray that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss. His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will certainly not be forgotten,” he added.
