National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has described Kola Animasaun who died on Thursday in Lagos at 79 as a ‘true icon of journalism’.
Tinubu said the late Animasaun, whom he fondly called uncle, played vital role in the development of journalism in the country and shaped moulded opinions through his weekly column in the Vanguard newspaper, Voice of Reason.
In a statement by his spokesman, Tunde Rahman, the former Lagos governor charged Animasaun’s colleagues in the media not to allow his ideals of true and purposeful journalism die with him in this age of fake news and hate speech.
“A true journalism icon, a columnist of great repute, Alhaji Animasaun played important role in the development of journalism in Nigeria. He was also a pro-democracy activist, lover of humanity and devoted Muslim,” the statement began.
“He mentored many of us. He was an indispensable guide to many top journalists of today and indeed many other Nigerians.
“With his death, the nation and the journalism profession have lost an illustrious fellow. In this age of fake news and hate speech, what his colleagues in the media can do for the nation and indeed the profession is to not allow his ideals of true and purposeful journalism die with him.
“My condolences to Alhaja Animasaun, the children and family members, the publisher and management of Vanguard Newspapers and indeed all those he left behind.”
Tinubu also commiserated with the Nigerian Union of Journalism and Guild of Editors on the loss.
