By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has expressed profound sadness over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the nation.
Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, noted Oladipo’s significant contributions to journalism, public discourse and the growth of online media in Nigeria, while commiserating with the family, friends, colleagues and professional associates of the deceased, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where the late journalist served as Emeritus President.
The Senate President described Oladipo as a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.
“Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society. His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole. His immense contributions to the development of online journalism, as well as his commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, will remain indelible,” Akpabio said.
Quoting the philosopher John Stuart Mill, the Senate President stated that the late journalist understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power.
“As the philosopher John Stuart Mill reminded us, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.’ Dotun understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power. His life demonstrated that journalism, when guided by courage and conscience, can illuminate society and strengthen democracy,” he added.
Akpabio further stated that Oladipo’s legacy would continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development.
The Senate President prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while urging members of the media to uphold and build upon Oladipo’s legacy of professionalism, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the public interest.
“May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course,” Akpabio added.
