The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has expressed grief over the death of former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation.
Oladipo, publisher of The Eagle Online and a former Politics Editor of The Punch, died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 56, shortly after arriving at his office.
He was also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the International Press Institute (IPI).
Reports said the veteran journalist collapsed in his car while being taken to hospital after arriving at his office, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
In a condolence message, Opeifa said Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly political reporting and the development of Nigeria’s digital media space, would remain indelible.
He noted that the late journalist played a significant role in efforts to sanitise the online publishing environment and promote professionalism at a time when the rapid growth of digital media was attracting individuals with little or no commitment to journalistic ethics.
According to him, Oladipo’s dedication to repositioning the digital media space contributed to the emergence and growth of GOCOP, which he said helped strengthen professionalism and credibility within the sector.
Opeifa described the deceased’s professional career as a reflection of the important role journalists play in informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
He recalled Oladipo’s passion for journalism and his contributions to the growth of digital journalism, describing his death as a painful loss to an industry in which he had established himself as a thought leader and a change agent.
“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation. He was a committed believer in Nigeria’s democracy and through his public discourse you can see through him as a patriot who loves and is willing to protect public causes”, Opeifa said.
The NRC managing director extended his condolences to Oladipo’s wife, children, other family members, friends and professional colleagues.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his dearest wife, his children, members of his family, his friends and colleagues for this irreparable loss.
“I pray that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss. His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will certainly not be forgotten”, he said.
Oladipo’s death has continued to attract tributes from colleagues, media organisations and stakeholders who have acknowledged his contributions to journalism, particularly political reporting and online publishing.