Ogun journalists hold 10-year remembrance service for six members killed in auto crash

The journalist died on assignment in 2003

The Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, on Friday organised an interdenominational service in memory of six of its members who died exactly ten years ago in an auto crash.

The journalists – Doyin Sokoya (57), Wole Adebari (42), Deji Onajobi (41), Sola Bakare (41), Semiu Oyetunji (41) and Adesina Durosomo (31) – lost their lives along Abuja-Lokoja Highway, while returning from official duties with former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel.

The remembrance service which took place at Iwe-Iroyin Press Centre Hall, Abeokuta, had in attendance families of the late journalists. The service was jointly conducted by Lawrence Achudume of Victory Life Bible Church and an Islamic Scholar, Jubril Awwal, Missioner, Islamic Youth League.

A lecture was also given at the ceremony. Titled, Journalism: The Gains, The Hazards; it was delivered by Sina Aina, Head, Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.

In his welcome address, the chairman of the state NUJ, Wole Shokunbi, said, “It’s exactly ten years since the incident happen. I want to say it has not been easy for the affected families but we still have to give thanks to God.”

He noted that if the union failed to remember the deceased, it would not be doing good to the families. He also urged journalists to pray regularly because of risks involved in the job.

Mr. Shokunbi called on his colleagues to embrace the insurance scheme introduced by the union, stressing that the profession involved risks.

A son of one of the deceased, Oluwaseun Adebari, expressed his appreciation to the union for remembering the deceased. He said that such a step was encouraging to the bereaved. Weeping, he stated that as the first son it had not been easy taking over the role of his late father.