The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) mourns the passing of two respected members of the media community, Sola Olugbemiro, popularly known as Solkem, Publisher of Access Weekly, and Mr Dotun Oladipo, Publisher of The Eagle Online.
NASRE President, Comrade Femi Oyewale, described the deaths as painful losses to the media industry, noting that both men were not only publishers and journalists but also colleagues and friends who made valuable contributions to journalism and public discourse.
“The passing of Sola Olugbemiro and Dotun Oladipo is a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by media professionals in the service of society. We mourn them as colleagues, friends and patriots who contributed in their own ways to the growth of Nigerian journalism. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones at this difficult time,” Oyewale said.
Oyewale, however, said the recent losses should also prompt urgent conversations about the welfare and wellbeing of journalists and other media professionals. He called on the Federal Government, state governments, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to provide stronger support for the media, particularly through accessible healthcare, insurance schemes, welfare packages and improved working conditions.
“Journalists cannot continue to serve as society’s watchdogs while their own welfare and healthcare needs receive inadequate attention. We urge government and corporate organisations to partner with media organisations and professional bodies to establish sustainable welfare interventions that will protect journalists and their families,” the NASRE President added.
NASRE commiserated with the families, colleagues, friends and associates of Sola Olugbemiro and Dotun Oladipo, praying for strength for their loved ones and eternal rest for the departed. The association also reiterated its call for stronger institutional support for media professionals, particularly in healthcare, insurance and journalists’ welfare, noting that those who dedicate their lives to informing and serving society deserve adequate protection and support.
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