By Kayode Adeoti
The spokesperson of Emir’s Palace, Ilorin, Alhaji Soliu Woru Mohammed,
yesterday, condoled National Pilot newspaper over the death of Mr
Babajide Jackson, the husband of the medium’s acting Editor, Mrs Joke
Adeniyi-Jackson.
Mogaji Nda, during his visit to the corporate headquarters of the
medium along Asa Dam road, Ilorin, prayed that God will grant the
Editor and other employees of National Pilot the fortitude to bear the
loss.
He urged the medium not to lose focus or relent in its social
responsibility of giving the populace balanced reportage due to the
unfortunate loss.
Speaking further, Alhaji Mohammed described the bereaved Editor as a
very strong, brilliant and versatile writer whose articles have over
the years imparted positively on the society.
According to him, in recent weeks Joke’s write-ups have not been
missing on the National Pilot back page and people have continued to
ask why.
He said, “I’ve been to her resident but I felt it’s also good for me
to be here (National Pilot), I feel your pains and I must also share
in it. Joke is a powerful writer; I read her column first in your
newspaper every time as she discusses issues very objectively.
“If you’re dull, you can’t be my friend; I love her (Joke) personally
because of her brain. She has represented National Pilot well as the
medium is known for its courageous ways of reporting issues laced with
in-depth investigative work. I praise your efforts because in this
clime, you’re trying your best,” he added.
Continuing, he said, “It’s not wrong if government can be giving you
grants as a way of supporting the medium, this will further enhance
your professionalism.”
Responding on behalf of the MD/Editor-in Chief of the medium, the News
Editor, Adebayo Olodan, appreciated Mogaji Nda for deeming it fit to
pay condolence visit to the medium saying he’s one of the very few to
have exhibited such gesture.
Olodan, in his words, promised that the medium will continue to do its
best to represent the interest of members of the public.
He added that, over the years, National Pilot has won many awards due
to its investigative and balanced reportage saying that the medium
will not derail from what it is known for.
