Oyo NUJ loses two members

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has lost two of its members.

The two members died in the last 24 hours, according to reports.

The two members are Deacon Tunde Ogunesan and Mrs Victoria Ojo.

Ogunesan died on Monday after a brief illness.

The news of the death of Ojo was announced in the early hours of Tuesday.

Ogunesan, is a former Chief Correspondent and one-time NUJ Chairman at African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers.

He was until his death the Secretary, Saki East Local Government Area.

Ojo until her death is a staff of Amuludun FM, Moniya, Ibadan.

The union in its reaction described the deaths of the duo as a great loss to the council.

NUJ in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ademola Babalola, and Secretary, Olusola Oladapo, described the death of the duo as a big blow too difficult to bear.

The union described Ogunesan as a thoroughbred professional, whose contributions to the NUJ cannot be underestimated.

NUJ in a statement made available on Tuesday said, “Tunde Ogunesan was a pious Christian, a just personality and great advocate for justice and fairplay in the union matters. He was hardworking and he was an exemplar of a good family man.

“Also, Mrs Victoria Ojo, was a quintessential journalist, a good wife and mother. The vacuum she left behind would be very difficult to fill”.

Similarly, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Oyo State chapter Mr Niyi Alebiosu in his reaction described the death of Ogunesan as shocking.

Alebiosu in a statement signed by SWAN secretary, Adewale Tijani, said Ogunrsan’s death robbed Oyo SWAN and NUJ of a selfless leader who worked for peace and justice to prevail in the unions.

SWAN in the statement obtained said, “This is a dark day, not only for me as a person, but for the entire members of SWAN in Oyo State. We lost a committed leader who strived for the progress of Association”.