President Tinubu condoles with Akinadewo over son's death

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with Mr Gabriel Akinadewo, Publisher of Freedom online newspaper and the Assistant General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), over the death of his son, Washington Oluwagbenga Akinadewo.

In a statement sent directly to the Publisher, President Tinubu stated: “May God console and comfort the family on this painful loss”.

Oluwagbenga Akinadewo, 21, faced a brief challenge in his health before his death.

Since the announcement of death in a statement posted on GOCOP and NGE WhatsApp platforms early Monday, by Mr Biodun Durojaiye, the professional colleagues and close associates of Mr Akinadewo have continued to express their condolences.

Mr. Durojaiye’s statement stated: “With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Washington Oluwagbenga, the beloved son of our dear friend and brother, Gabriel Akinadewo.

“Washington only recently completed his university education in Lagos and was preparing to proceed on NYSC in January. His passing is a painful and profound loss to his family and to all of us who knew him.

“At this difficult time, we kindly ask that friends and colleagues please refrain from phone calls and instead reach out to Gabriel and the family only via SMS or WhatsApp messages, as they mourn and seek quiet strength.

“Please keep Gabriel, his wife, and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers, asking God to grant them comfort, peace, and fortitude in this season of grief.

“Thank you for your understanding and support.

— Biodun Durojaiye

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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