The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, has commiserated with the family of a former acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chief Jide Adebayo, who died on Thursday at the age of 66.
In a statement signed by the AChairman and Secretary of the Union, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed and Omotayo Ayanda respectively, “the Executive and Journalists in the State received the death of Chief Adebayo, a one-time state Secretary of the Union with rude shock and sadness”.
The NUJ described the late veteran journalist as a foremost scribe that nurtured the Union to an enviable height and contributed immensely to the development of media industry in Kwara State and the Nation at large.
“The demise of Chief Adebayo was utterly shocking but we cannot query the work of Almighty God.
“We, however, take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a fruitful life and bequeathed a worthy legacy to the younger generation.
“Kwara NUJ also notes that the departed labour leader was a goal getter, cerebral and vibrant journalist, who displayed high level of discipline and professionalism during his sojourn in the pen fraternity.
“We will not forget in a hurry the deceased’s vibrancy and commitment. Even in retirement, he contributed immensely to his profession and NUJ growth in the state till his demise”, the statement said.
The veteran journalist, consummate administrator and community leader served as Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports in Kwara State and Executive Director in charge of Marketing, one time Head of Lagos Operations and former Acting Managing Director of NAN.
He was also a renowned unionist having served as the state NUJ Secretary between 1981 and 1983 and Chairman NUJ, Niger (1985 -1987). He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE).
Until his death, Chief Adebayo was the Eesa of Omu-Aran, second-in-command to the traditional ruler of the community, which is equivalent to the position of Prime Minister.