Edith CHUKU
Three days after his shocking demise, the Nigerian journalism profession continues to mourn the Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited, Mr. Samson Dotun Oladipo.
Oladipo, a veteran journalist who worked with Nigeria Tribune, Nigeria Compass, The Sun and a former politics editor at Punch Newspaper before founding Eagle Online, died on Tuesday at the age of 56, after a brief illness.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors NGE, described his exit as painful and a great loss to his family, colleagues, the journalism profession and the wider media community.
NGE in a statement by its President, Mr Eze Anaba and Secretary, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, revealed that Oladipo was a committed member whose contributions added impetus to the growth of the elite media professional body.
“The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Dr. Samson Dotun Oladipo, a gentleman, distinguished journalist, former newspaper editor, and publisher of Eagles Online.
“In a career spanning several decades, Dr. Oladipo distinguished himself through professionalism, courage, intellectual depth and an unwavering commitment to the principles of journalism and nation building. His contributions to journalism and the media industry left an indelible mark.
“As a former publisher of an online publication, he was deeply committed to the growth and development of the Nigerian media and the digital landscape.
“His membership of NGE reflected his strong belief in professional solidarity and the importance of promoting ethical, credible and responsible journalism.”
According to NGE, “Dr. Oladipo was not merely a media practitioner but also a respected colleague, mentor and contributor to the continuing evolution of the Nigerian media landscape.
“His death is a great loss to his family, colleagues, the journalism profession and the wider media community. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, professional excellence, courage and service that will continue to inspire those who knew and worked with him.”
The Guild further extended a heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, colleagues, friends and associates.
“At this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We pray that God will grant the family the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss as well as grant the departed journalist eternal rest.
“May Dr. Sampson Dotun Oladipo’s memory remain a blessing to those who knew him, and may his contributions to journalism endure.”
