Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has described the death of media entrepreneur and journalist, Dotun Oladipo, as a major loss to Nigeria’s journalism community.
Oladipo, who died on Tuesday at the age of 56, was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Ltd., publishers of The Eagle Online.
Hamzat expressed his grief in a condolence statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant, Mr Tunde Alao, on Thursday.
He described Oladipo as a dedicated journalist whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s growing digital media industry.
“I received with great shock the news of the passing of Mr Dotun Oladipo. This is a huge loss not only to his immediate family but to the entire media community, particularly the online publishing industry which he served with distinction for almost three decades,” Hamzat said.
The deputy governor said Oladipo’s career reflected a deep commitment to journalism and professional excellence.
He recalled the late journalist’s career as Politics Editor at Punch Newspapers and his subsequent work with Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass and The Sun before he founded The Eagle Online.
According to Hamzat, Oladipo transformed The Eagle Online into one of Nigeria’s notable digital news platforms and played an important role in the evolution of online journalism in the country.
He also highlighted Oladipo’s leadership roles in the media industry, including his tenure as President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and pioneer President of the Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society.
“Mr Oladipo’s passion for professional development within the media space, and his efforts to foster collaboration among journalists and publishers, will remain a lasting part of his legacy,” Hamzat said.
The deputy governor extended his condolences to the Oladipo family, the management and staff of Premium Eagle Media Ltd. and The Eagle Online, as well as journalists and publishers across the country.
He prayed for strength for the bereaved family and asked God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
