President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) have expressed sadness over the sudden death of veteran journalist and Publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Oladipo, a former President of the GOCOP, died at the age of 56 years on Tuesday, August 25, after reportedly falling ill.
His death has thrown the Nigerian media industry into mourning, with colleagues and professional bodies paying tribute to his contributions to journalism and the development of online publishing in Nigeria.
In a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of political reporting and his commitment to providing credible information through traditional and digital media platforms.
The President said Oladipo’s career demonstrated the important role of journalists in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
Tinubu also recalled Oladipo’s passion for journalism and his contribution to the growth of digital media through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his career at The Punch.
“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 journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy,” the President said.
He added: “His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten.”
On its part, GOCOP described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss, noting that he played a significant role in the growth of online journalism and the development of the guild.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, the guild said Oladipo served as GOCOP President from 2017 to 2021 and was among the publishers who laid the foundation for the organisation.
“Oladipo entered online publishing with years of experience in traditional media. He had worked as a journalist and editor before moving into digital publishing and bringing that experience to The Eagle Online,” the statement said.
According to GOCOP, Oladipo was also an early advocate of collaboration among online publishers at a time when digital journalism was still developing in Nigeria.
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“At a time when online news publishing was still developing in Nigeria, he was among those who saw the need for publishers to come together, share ideas and build a stronger professional community,” the guild said.
It added that during his four-year tenure as president, Oladipo devoted considerable time to strengthening the organisation and representing the interests of online publishers.
“As President between 2017 and 2021, Oladipo devoted considerable time to the Guild’s affairs. He represented GOCOP at various engagements and worked with members as the organisation navigated the opportunities and challenges of the rapid growth of online publishing,” the statement added.
The President of GOCOP, Danlami Nmodu, described Oladipo as a key figure in the evolution of the guild.
“Dotun played an important role in the development of GOCOP. He led the Guild for four years at a time when there was still much work to be done to establish online publishers as an important part of the media. His contribution will always be remembered,” Nmodu said.
He added: “Dotun understood journalism and the business of publishing. He was passionate about the place of online media in Nigeria, and he gave his time to the growth of the Guild. We are saddened by his passing.”
Before establishing The Eagle Online, Oladipo had a distinguished career in print journalism. He served as Editor and Editorial Board member at PUNCH Newspapers and also worked with the Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass and The Sun before venturing into digital publishing.
He was also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited, the parent company of The Eagle Online.
GOCOP extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online and the wider media community.
The guild said it would work with his family and associates to honour his memory and preserve his contributions to the development of online journalism in Nigeria.