From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Sokoto State Council, has been thrown into mourning following the death of its member, Mr Adeniyi Olugbemi.
Olugbemi, a veteran journalist and prolific writer, died on Saturday, leaving colleagues, friends and members of the media community in Sokoto State in deep sorrow.
Reacting to the news of his death, the Chairman of the Chapel, Mr Ankeli Emmanuel, described the late journalist as a hardworking and easy-going professional who was deeply committed to the ethics and practice of journalism.
Ankeli said Olugbemi’s death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, adding that the Chapel had lost a gem whose presence, experience and counsel would be sorely missed.
He further described him as a prolific writer whose pen gave a voice to the voiceless and whose reports contributed to public discourse in the states where he practised journalism.
The Secretary of the Chapel, Musa Ubandawaki, also described Olugbemi as a dedicated colleague whose humility, diligence and passion for journalism earned him the respect of many within and outside the profession.
The late Olugbemi hailed from Yelwa in Ogun State and built a remarkable career spanning several leading media organisations across Nigeria.
He was a correspondent for Tribune in Yola, Adamawa State, before moving to The Sun and later the Taraba State Newspaper, where he continued to distinguish himself through his journalism.
He subsequently joined The Punch, where he rose to become the newspaper’s Bureau Chief in Sokoto. He also worked with Leadership Newspaper, earning recognition for his analytical depth and fearless reporting.
Olugbemi also worked with the Sports Desk of The Triumph Publishing Company.
Before his death, he founded his own publication, The Guild Magazine, through which he continued to contribute to journalism, mentor young reporters and promote responsible media practice in Sokoto and beyond.
The NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Sokoto State, extended its condolences to his family, friends and associates, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
The Chapel and his colleagues also prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
May his soul rest in peace.
