Buhari, Atiku, Gbajabiamila, Oyetola, Others Condole With Media over Waheed Bakare, New Telegraph Editor’s Death

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the media industry, particularly Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigeria Guild of Editors, over the death of the Saturday Editor of New Telegraph, Waheed Bakare.

Bakare died on Sunday after a brief illness. He was 51.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the President condoled with the family of the deceased, and management of New Telegraph Newspapers, describing Bakare’s death as a collective loss to the media and the nation that he served passionately with his talent.

According to the statement, President Buhari prayed that God would receive the soul of the departed and comfort all that mourn him.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, also, in a statement issued by his media office, said the deceased “was an unassuming gentleman and professional whose passion for journalism was unrivalled.”

He prayed to Allah to grant late Bakare’s family, friends and colleagues the strength and comfort to hear this loss.

House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila described Bakare’s death as a sad loss.

The Speaker, who commiserated with the late journalist’s family, the management and staff of the New Telegraph Newspaper, also condoled with the NUJ.

He said Nigerian journalism has lost one of its dedicated members, whom he described as a diligent and hardworking individual.

The Speaker prayed the Almighty Allah to grant the late Bakare a good resting place.

Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola described Bakare’s death as devastating and a great loss not only to his immediate family but also to the journalism profession in Nigeria.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the governor commiserated with Bakare’s family, friends, colleagues, the Journalists’ Hangout (on TVC) family and the management of The New Telegraph Newspapers over the demise of the journalist.

The governor described the late Bakare as a hardworking, talented, cerebral and an accomplished journalist, noting that he would be sorely missed by the media community.

“I received with great shock the passing of Alhaji Waheed Bakare, Editor, Saturday New Telegraph. His death is not only a loss to his family but also to the journalism profession.

“As people who believe in God, we should take it in good faith and give gratitude to God that the late journalist ran a good race and gave a good account of himself as a newsroom leader and gatekeeper…”

The Janazah (funeral rites) for the late Bakare was held yesterday at his 22 Ayo Ayinde Street, Ota, Ogun State home.

He is survived by a widow, Basirat, four children and an aged mother.

His remains were interred around 1:30 p.m after the prayers.

Family members, friends, and colleagues were on hand to bid him farewell.

Apparently still shocked by the sudden demise of her husband, Mrs Bakare only summoned the courage to acknowledge greetings from sympathisers.

New Telegraph Managing Director, Mr Ayo Aminu led the team, which included Editor Ayodele Ojo, from the organisation.

Chairman of Lagos Chapter of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Alhaji Kabir Alabi Garba, former Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Alhaja Sekinah Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, DICOLI Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Kayode Awobadejo also visited the family.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) described the late Bakare as an ardent journalist of international repute.

A statement by Alhaji Femi Abbas on behalf of the NSCIA Media Committee said the late journalist was among the NSCIA Media Ambassadors.