Follow Us on Google
• Ex-Abia gov: I’ve lost a friend, brother
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, have mourned the death of veteran journalist and Publisher of The Eagle Online, Dr. Samson Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a major loss to the Nigerian media.
Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District and is a former governor of Abia State, described Oladipo’s death as “shocking and devastating,” saying he had lost a friend and brother.
Mutfwang, on his part, described the deceased as a towering figure in journalism whose contributions helped shape public discourse, promote democracy and good governance.
Kalu, in a condolence message by his media office, acknowledged Oladipo’s contributions to the media industry, describing him as a complete gentleman, seasoned journalist and thoroughbred media professional.
The former governor recalled his longstanding relationship with the late publisher, saying their association dated back to his relationship with Oladipo’s father.
“I was devastated when I received the sad news of the demise of the Publisher of The Eagle Online, Mr Dotun Oladipo.
“Dotun, whom I met through his late father, and I had a cordial relationship in his lifetime. He worked closely with my media team and The Sun Publishing Limited in various capacities.
“He was a committed family man and thoroughbred media expert. He was easy-going, humble, jovial and kind-hearted.
“It is a personal loss. I lost a friend and brother,” Kalu said.
He extended his condolences to Oladipo’s widow, Taiwo, his children and other members of the family, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Kalu also commiserated with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), other stakeholders in the media industry and the government and people of Osun State.
Similarly, Mutfwang said Oladipo’s death represented a monumental loss not only to his family and the media industry but also to the country.
In a condolence message issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor described Oladipo as an accomplished media professional whose decades-long career was marked by professionalism, intellectual depth, integrity and an unwavering commitment to ethical journalism.
He said the late publisher’s contributions helped shape public discourse, promote democracy and good governance and project Nigeria positively before the international community.
Mutfwang particularly acknowledged Oladipo’s commitment to mentoring younger professionals, saying his efforts helped nurture a new generation of journalists equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional values required to serve the country.
The governor recalled his personal encounter with Oladipo during one of the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ visits to Plateau State for its Annual General Meeting, describing it as a cherished memory.
He said Oladipo’s progression from newspaper editor to publisher of The Eagle Online reflected a professional life devoted to journalism and the development of the media industry.
According to him, his death was “a monumental loss” to his immediate family, the NGE, NUJ, journalism profession, wider media community and Nigeria.
On behalf of his family, the government and people of Plateau State, Mutfwang extended his condolences to the Oladipo family and the media community and prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort those mourning him.
