Follow Us on Google
By Damiete Braide
Nigeria’s arts and cultural community was thrown into mourning on Sunday, August 17, with the passing of Evelyn Osagie, a journalist, poet, photographer, and cultural advocate whose work touched many lives.
She died in Lagos after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to the cultural space she so passionately served.
Until her passing, Osagie worked with The Nation Newspaper, where she rose to the position of Senior Correspondent and Associate Editor. On the Arts and Culture beat, she carved a niche for herself as one of the country’s most consistent and passionate voices. Known for her perceptive eye and creative spirit, she chronicled the works of artists, writers, performers, and cultural institutions, while also lending her voice to advocacy on women’s rights, civil rights, mental health, and children’s issues. Her journalism was never just reportage; it was advocacy with purpose.
Tributes poured in from writers, journalists, government officials, and colleagues who had worked with her across Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), in a statement signed by its President, Wole Adedoyin, described her death as a huge loss to Nigeria’s literary and cultural community. “She was a vibrant, upwardly mobile journalist whose passion for storytelling, advocacy, and the arts left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media and cultural landscape,” the statement read.
The Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN) also mourned her deeply. In a statement signed by its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Okuyeme, ACWAN described Osagie as “a cherished voice and inspiring figure” who enriched Nigeria’s cultural space with her writings, spoken word performances, and advocacy. “Throughout her remarkable career, she touched the hearts of many, inspiring countless artists, writers, and enthusiasts,” the group said, noting that her legacy is one of “creativity, kindness, and enduring love for cultural expression.”
The Lagos State Government added its voice to the outpouring of grief. Gbenga Omotosho, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, described her as warm, friendly, and exceptionally talented. He noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu extended condolences to her family and colleagues at Vintage Press Ltd., publishers of The Nation. “She did her job with a unique display of talent and commitment that made her stand out among her peers,” Omotosho said. “We pray for the repose of her soul and strength for her family to bear this great loss.”
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) also paid homage to Osagie’s memory. Its National President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, described her as “a cultural voice whose passion and advocacy enriched Nigeria’s literary and artistic communities.” He added that though her passing was a profound loss, her legacy would endure in the stories she told and the lives she inspired.
Colleagues and friends shared moving personal tributes. Yinka Olatunbosun, an arts writer, recalled her warmth and camaraderie. She described Osagie as “a sister, colleague, and fellow soldier in this battle called life,” recalling their last meeting at a poetry performance where Osagie hugged her with joy. “Evelyn practised journalism with passion, won prestigious awards, and was a resource person at my leadership project in 2019. Today, journalism and the culture space lost a soldier, a fighter, and a sweet soul,” Olatunbosun said.
Henry Akubuiro, Arts Editor of The Sun, described Osagie as a “hardworking arts and culture journalist” and a travel partner on literary assignments across Nigeria. “Wherever major literary events were held, she was there, nosing for exclusives. Nigeria has lost a highflyer,” he said.
For Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, “This is a very very painful loss. I’ve been numb since I heard the news. May she rest in peace.”
Other News
Yemi Adebisi, Editor of Daily Independent, expressed shock at her sudden passing, while Kabir Garba of The Guardian simply wrote: “May her soul rest in peace. Adieu Evelyn.”
Former arts reporter and a US based scholar, Adunni Adelakun lamented, “ She was just a passionate and energetic person. Always full of life, and yes, hardworking. May her soul rest in peace.”
Segun Ajayi noted, “What a loss to the culture journalism clan! Evelyn was a warm person and hardworking, too. May the Lord repose her soul.” For Janes Eze, This cuts truly deep. Evelyn was so full of life. She left too soon. God rest her soul.” Prof Nduka Otiono screamed, “Oh my goodness! Shocking. May her soul rest in peace,” while former ANA president, Camillys Ukah, remarked, “Indeed heartbreaking. May her soul rest in peace.”
Dr. Sola Balogun, a literary scholar, captured the grief of the community in his poem Elegy for the Songbird. In it, he described Osagie’s voice as one that “resonated loudly in parts, thrilling the crowd in the open arena.” He remembered her as a sister, benefactor, comforter, and artist whose creative works would continue to live in hearts. “So sad death snatched you too soon and left your friends in grief,” Balogun wrote, concluding with the hope that her artistic contributions would remain a source of consolation.
Former Permanent Secretary, Presidency, Abuja, and current President, Nigerian Folklore Society, Bukar Usman told Saturday Sun: “The passing of our dear Evelyn Osagie is indeed quite sad and shocking news! I spoke to her last on July15,2025 while she was at work. She sounded hale and hearty. Following that I sent her a set of books. What an accomplished, dedicated journalist, poet and performing artiste! May God grant her soul heavenly peace and comfort the bereaved family members and other well -wishers.”
Beyond her professional life, Evelyn Osagie was recognised by Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka for her contributions as a poet and cultural advocate. Her spoken word performances, described as both soulful and commanding, often reflected themes of humanity, resilience, and justice. She was an active participant in Nigeria’s cultural renaissance, not only reporting on the arts but embodying them through her creative work.
Her career combined journalism, poetry, advocacy, and photography in a way that made her a bridge between Nigeria’s creative community and the wider public. Whether covering major literary festivals across Nigeria or performing her poetry before audiences, she consistently used her gifts to inspire and amplify others.
Friends and colleagues emphasised her humility, compassion, and friendliness. Many spoke of her ability to make others feel valued, her resilience in the face of challenges, and her unwavering commitment to her craft. To those who worked alongside her, she was more than a colleague, she was a sister, mentor, and comforter.
In her lifetime, Osagie became a symbol of dedication, embodying the idea that journalism and art could work together to bring about change. Her sudden passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill, but her legacy continues to inspire writers, artists, and advocates across the country.
Her story is not only one of personal achievement but also one of service, to literature, to culture, to women and children, and to the humanity she held so dear.
As the Nigerian literary and cultural community grapples with the loss of Evelyn Osagie, one truth resonates: her voice, though silenced by death, continues to speak through her works, her advocacy, and the memories she left behind. She will be remembered not only as a journalist and poet but also as a soldier of culture, a custodian of stories, and a champion of humanity.
