Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has expressed shock over the death of Lai Olarewaju, Kwara State correspondent of The Sun Newspaper, who died on Friday at the age of 69.
The governor commiserated with the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Correspondents’ Chapel, which the deceased once chaired, The Sun newspaper, and the immediate family of the late journalist.
In a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, his chief press secretary, Abdulrazaq described Olarewaju as a veteran journalist and media unionist whose legacies spanned decades of excellent reporting and unwavering commitment to the welfare of fellow journalists.
He prayed that God consoles the family and grants the deceased eternal rest.
Similarly, Abubakar Bukola Saraki,
former Senate president, described Olarewaju’s death as a great loss to the Kwara media community.
In a statement issued by Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, his press officer on Local Matters, Saraki expressed deep sorrow, describing the veteran journalist’s death as shocking, painful, and a significant loss to the media profession in Kwara State and beyond.
Saraki, the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, noted that the late Olarewaju was a dedicated, diligent, and professional journalist who carried out his duties with commitment and integrity, contributing immensely to the growth of journalism in the state.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel, the NUJ Kwara State Council, and media practitioners across the state over the irreparable loss.
He prayed the Almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, led by Biola Azeez, its chairman, has announced the sad news on the chapel’s platform, describing Olarewaju as a dutiful and committed journalist who worked tirelessly for unity within the chapel and the NUJ Council in the state.
A statement issued by Mosunmola Ayobami, the Chapel’s secretary, confirmed the development: “It is with a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of Almighty God, that we announce the death of a committed elder and former chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Lai Olarewaju.”
The statement added that Olarewaju died at a private hospital after a brief illness.
“His commitment, unifying spirit, and wealth of experience in journalism will be sorely missed. The Chapel prays God Almighty console his family, associates, and friends, and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” it added.
