The pioneer national Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Jola Ogunlusi with an incredible career, spanning decades, is dead, igniting an outpouring of tributes across the nation.
President of NUJ, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi said in a statement titled, “NUJ bids farewell to a towering figure”, revealed that the veteran journalist lost his life battle to an undisclosed illness on Friday April 19, 2025at the age of 91.
He said Ogunlusi who was the “first individual to be appointed National Secretary of the Union in 1977, undertook the monumental task of establishing the Union’s National Secretariat from the ground up”.
A statement endorsed by the President of the Union, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, hailed the late nonagenarian who laid a solid foundation upon which the organisation continues to thrive before his transition.
The statement reads in part, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed former National Secretary, Mr Jola Ogunlusi, who passed away today after a brief illness at the remarkable age of 91”.
The Union leader also respectfully requests the National Secretariat of the Union all 36 State Councils of the Union, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), open books of condolence in tribute to Mr Ogunlusi in recognition of his immense contributions and honour his memory.
In addition, the national leadership of the NUJ, approved a seven-day period of mourning be observed, with effect from tomorrow, allowing all members to reflect on the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the advancement of journalism and the welfare of journalists.
The statement asked God to grant him rest his soul in peace and comfort his family, stating that “Mr Ogunlusi was a tireless advocate for the NUJ—a Union that he held dear to his heart”.
“He was an unsung hero, one who shunned the limelight and accolades, choosing instead to focus on delivering the best outcomes for his colleagues and the wider media Community.
“His work ethic, integrity, and passion for journalism were evident in all that he did” in solidarity with the Union.
“We ask that a seven-day period of mourning be observed, with effect from tomorrow, allowing all members to reflect on the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the advancement of journalism and the welfare of journalists”, the NUJ statement.
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