A Journalist Goes Home

 

 

By Nehru Odeh

Tragedy struck the Nigerian media on Saturday, 23 May, with the death of ace journalist, administrator and former Chairman, Editorial Board of TEMPO, Mr , Ladi Lawal. Lawal, who was, until his death, the Group Managing Director of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of African Independent Television, AIT, and Ray Power radio station, died at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a long battle with liver problem, aged 54. He was buried same day in his private residence at Alagbole, Akute in Ogun State, in accordance with Islamic rites.

 

Though news of Lawal’s death was received with shock across the country, friends and admirers were unanimous about the fact that not only did live a fulfilled life, he left indelible marks in the journalism profession. The Chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, described Lawal as his friend and pillar. Dokpesi also said whatever AIT looks like today was the brainchild of Lawal. “For me, he was not only my friend, he was my pillar and that is the pillar that is now smashed. I don’t know how I am going to hold it but I have lost a major foundation of my existence,” Dokpesi told newsmen shortly after Lawal was interred.

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola described Lawal’s demise as a tragic loss not just to his family, DAAR Communications, the Nigerian Media but to the entire country. “Alhaji Lawal distinguished himself as an outstanding broadcaster who was passionately committed to the highest professional standards and rose to the apex of his chosen career through uncommon industry, commitment, ingenuity and diligence,” Fashola said. Fashola also recalled Lawal’s contributions to the growth of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, a body he served diligently on different occasions as Chairman of the Lagos state chapter as well as National President .

 Fashola was full of praise for the dynamism, courage and leadership skills Lawal demonstrated throughout his career. According to him, not only did Lawal protect the noble values and ethics of the journalism profession, he promoted the welfare of media practitioners at all times. In his tribute, the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said Lawal was a thorough bred professional, a progressive journalist, media activist and an authentic comrade in the battle to enthrone a just and egalitarian society. The Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel described Lawal’s demise as an irreparable loss to the Nigeria media industry. Daniel not only praised Lawal’s fortrightness and patriotism, he said Lawal was a thoroughbred Nigerian, who would be remembered as one of the true pioneers of private broadcasting in Nigeria. Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Mrs. Oluremi Oyo described Lawal’s death as “an extreme loss.” According to Oyo, Lawal would not be forgotten in the history of private media development in the country.Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on hs part described the death of the ace journalist as a great loss to the nation and the media industry. Oyinlola said Lawal was a gentleman and a devoted Muslim whose journalism career was as epochal as it was successful. In a condolence letter signed by its chairman, Comrade Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, likened Lawal’s death to the fall of an oak in the Savannah. “Ladi lawal was an epitome of modern journalism, a consummate unionist who spent a useful part of his life in chattering programme in NUJ,” the letter read. Former President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Mr. Bonie Iwuoha said Lawal would be remembered as a professional who stood for what he believed and would always turn his back on any path he considered ugly. The immediate past President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Malam Baba Dantiye who expressed regret at Lawal’s death, said he would be remembered for his hardwork.

A former president of the NUJ and Lawal’s immediate predecessor, Mr. Sani Zorro believes Lawal would be remembered for the dynamism he brought to the journalism profession as well as for his good works. Lagos Lawyer, Festus Keyamo said Lawal’s professionalism, his quest for excellence as well as his experience would be sorely missed. Lawal’s journalism career runs across the print and electronic media. After his early education at Ladi-Lak Institute, Lagos City College (both in Yaba), and the School of Management and Vocation, Kwara State College of Technology Ilorin, he started his journalism career at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, and later took part-time courses in History and International Relations at the Lagos State University (LASU). Lawal was a former Vice President, (Africa) of the defunct International Organisation of Journalists and the NUJ president from 1994 to 1995 as well as Chairman, NUJ, Lagos State Council (1989-1994). His career dated back to the time he left Radio Nigeria as news staff to take up appointment in the print media as Chairman, Editorial Board of TEMPO, where he maintained a regular column. Lawal joined DAAR Communications as Director of News, Ray Power FM (1994-1996). He is survived by his wife, Taibat Folashade Lawal, children and aged parents.

 

 

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