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Buhari, Saraki, others eminent Nigerian mourn Wale Aboderin
The Chairman, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbadebowale Wayne Aboderin, is dead.
He died on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 6.05am after a heart surgery at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos, at the age of 60.
Aboderin took over as the Chairman of the company’s Board on May 1, 2011, following the retirement of Chief Ajibola Ogunshola as the Chairman of PUNCH on April 30, 2011 after 24 years of meritorious and dedicated service.
Before the appointment, Aboderin, businessman and first son of the founding chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, the late Chief Olu Aboderin, was appointed a member of the Board of Directors on May 21, 1984. Aboderin, who became vice-chairman of the company on July 2, 2010, was born in London, United Kingdom on April 17, 1958. A trained pilot, he was also a basketball enthusiast.
Aboderin was also the founder and chairman of Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation, a charity organisation in Lagos which he founded years ago when he returned to Nigeria after living in the United States for years. He was a former chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association (a position he held for eight-and-a-half years) and a one-time vice-president of the Nigerian Basketball Supporters Club.
A former member of the Nigerian Handball Federation, Aboderin, was an alumnus of the Government College, Ibadan. He was a founding member of the board of trustees of the Word of Life Rehabilitation Centre, a ministry committed to the rehabilitation of drug addicts and substance abusers. He was also Chairman, PUNCH Commercial Printing Limited and Lukahed Properties Limited, PUNCH’s subsidiaries.
A devoted family man, he is survived by his wife, Titilayo, a chartered accountant, and children.
Meanwhile, some prominent Nigerians have been commiserating with PUNCH and the Aboderin family over the devastating incident.
He’ll be remembered for his resourcefulness —Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday described the deceased as a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said Aboderin would be remembered for his resourcefulness, managerial proficiency and invaluable contributions to the media and sports industry.
The statement read, “The President prays that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn him and grant his soul eternal rest. The President equally commiserates with all members of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, the media and sports industry in the country on the death of the respected entrepreneur and philanthropist.’’
He left indelible footprints on the sands of time – Saraki
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, also expressed grief over the demise of Aboderin.
Saraki, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the deceased as a philanthropist, sports lover and a businessman “who left indelible footprints on the sands of time.’’
He noted that Aboderin led an exemplary life worthy of emulation and contributed immensely to national development through the media, youth and sports development, among others.
Saraki said, “It is indeed painful that he left us at a time his rich experience is needed to move the country forward. My heart goes out to his wife, Titilayo, his children, the Punch Newspaper Group, the media industry in Nigeria and the government and people of Oyo and Lagos states on the sad incident.”
His death is a huge loss – Dogara
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, said the death of the PUNCH chairman was “painful and a huge loss.”
His condolence message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan.
Dogara said the late chairman brought “experience and expertise” to bear in the management of the newspaper organisation.
He added that his death was a huge loss, not only to the media industry but also the nation as a whole, considering his influence, vast network and pivotal role in revolutionising the media work.
“As one of the numerous readers of Punch newspapers over the years, I noticed that the late Aboderin’s tenure as chairman had completely changed the fortunes of the tabloid, making it one of the most informative, educative, authoritative and influential newspapers in Nigeria,’’ Dogara said.
He noted that his death would create a huge vacuum in the industry as his guidance and inspiration would be sorely missed by those he mentored and left behind.
His death saddens me – Tinubu
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said he was deeply saddened to learn of Aboderin’s demise.
Tinubu, in a statement by his media office on Thursday, said, “We lost Wale at a rather young age when we still needed him to continue to be with us. At 60, he still had a lot to offer us but within those three scores though, he made appreciable impact and touched and changed lives.
“As Chairman of Punch, taking over from his uncle, the actuary, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, Wale continued to maintain and sustain the excellent journalism Punch is noted for, ensuring that the newspaper remains where it should be.
“Though he trained as a pilot, he was also a sports enthusiast. He particularly loved basketball to the point that he floated Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation. He was at one time the Chairman of our Basketball Association in Lagos.
Noting that his death was a huge loss to the Aboderin family, both immediate and extended, Tinubu added that the media and sports worlds, which he traversed and impacted positively, had also lost an outstanding partner.
“My deep sympathy and condolences to his wife and children. I mourn with the Aboderin family, the Punch Newspaper, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria and the media generally. I hope and pray that God grant his family the strength to carry on and continue with those legacies he lived for. May God also grant him eternal rest, ’’ Tinubu said.
Aboderin’s death painful, says Ortom
In his message on Thursday, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said Aboderin’s death was painful.
He said the government and people of Benue State joined millions of other Nigerians to mourn him.
The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase, described the late Aboderin as a worthy son of Nigeria who contributed immensely through his medium to the development of the country.
He prayed God to console his immediate family, relations and the entire management and staff of Punch Nigeria Limited.
His death, a big blow to media industry – NPO
Also, the Nigerian Press Organisation consisting of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, said it was saddened by Aboderin’s death.
This was contained in a statement signed by the NPO President, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, on Thursday.
The statement read, “We are saddened at the news of the untimely death of the Chairman of the Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbadebowale Aboderin, who died on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.
“Wale, a consummate sport enthusiast, was jovial, amiable and easy going. His death is a big blow, not just to the Punch Group, but to the entire media landscape of Nigeria and Africa.
“He followed generations of media owners who served the public purpose. We offer our condolences to the Aboderin family and the Punch Group. May his soul find peace; perfect peace.”
Also, the Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, said the good Lord knew best regarding Aboderin’s death, adding “May his soul rest in perfect peace.’’
He made his mark as a philanthropist – Atiku
In a statement on Thursday by the media office of former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, he described Aboderin’s demise as a great loss to the Nigerian media industry, praying to God to grant the Aboderin family and PUNCH the fortitude to bear the loss.
It added, “Atiku feels the pains of the immediate Aboderin family in particular, the media and the teeming lovers of PUNCH newspapers worldwide. In today’s world, 60 years is too young an age for anyone to pass on with their lofty dreams.
“Wale Aboderin’s untimely departure is certainly heartbreaking, painful to the family and is a monumental loss to the fourth estate of the realm and the nation at large. Wale had been in the vanguard of sustaining the vision of his late father and founder of the PUNCH newspaper and he also made his own mark as a philanthropist and founder of the Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation.’’
It’s hard to say goodbye to a kind gentleman – Fayose
In a condolence message, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, said the death was not only shocking but also devastating.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor said it was difficult to say goodbye to a kind gentleman who recently celebrated 60.
Fayose added that Aboderin not only consolidated the legacy of his father but also raised the flag higher as PUNCH Chairman.
He said, “He was an epitome of humility and kindness and transacted and ran business with a human face. Apart from his position in the foremost newspaper house, he was a sport enthusiast and helped in building the careers of many youths in basketball among others.
“The newspaper industry in Nigeria has lost a great man whose contributions to the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria were invaluable.
The governor said, “On behalf of the good people of Ekiti State, we sympathise with his immediate family, the entire Aboderin family, PUNCH newspapers, NPAN and all others whose lives were touched by this illustrious son of Nigeria,” he said.
In a condolence message, the Chief Executive Officer, Charmondel Holdings Limited, Mr. Igho Sanomi, noted that the incident would be a painful loss to the organisation and the media world, adding that the good Lord would comfort the Aboderin family and PUNCH “during this emotionally challenging period.’’
Besides, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board said that Aboderin would be sorely missed for his contributions to the media world, sporting community and Nigeria in general.
In a condolence message by its Head, Public Affairs, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the board’s Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, stated, “The news of his death came as a shock to us and we sincerely pray that the Lord will comfort his immediate family, the Punch newspapers and the entire media group.’’
A representative of a resort park, Hi-Impact Planet, Olusiji Oyesile, also wrote in the condolence register, “You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.’’
The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.
Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.
While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.
News
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka
The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.
The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
News
Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
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