From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, and Magnus Eze, Abuja
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has described the death of veteran journalist, playwright, academic and politician, Dr. Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba, as sad and tragic.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo extended his condolences to his family, the government and people of Kogi State on the passing of Onukaba, whom he said was an illustrious son, who served the nation with distinction.
“During his lifetime, the brilliant and multi-talented journalist, academic and tested technocrat was a symbol of hope, integrity and decency, with a passion for excellence and community development that endeared him to those who came in direct contact with him,” Osinbajo noted.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige also expressed shock over the death Onukaba who he described as one of the finest in contemporary Nigerian journalism.
Ngige, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Nwachukwu Obidiwe, said Nigeria would miss Onukaba’s quintessential career as a journalist, journalism teacher and playwright.
“Here was Onukaba the reporter, who rose to the pinnacle of the profession as an editor and, later, managing director of the Nigerian media flagship, The Daily Times. And here was Onukaba who doubled as a brilliant communication teacher, showing the light and helping many find bearing in the continent of journalism,” Ngige said.
He said the deceased displayed political dexterity and maturity at its best, adding that he was a very fine and incisive mind, who could do a biography of any man he chose even from a distance because of his analytical and philosophical mind.
While praying God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the huge loss, Ngige regretted that the nation lost him at the critical interval on its march to rebirth.