Mr. Buki Ponle, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has described the death of Chief Jide Adebayo, former Acting Managing Director of NAN, as devastating.
Adebayo, also a former Executive Director (Marketing) of the Agency, died in Lagos on Thursday.
He was aged 66.
Ponle, in a condolence visit to Adebayo’s residence in Idimu, Lagos on Friday, said that Adebayo’s exit was painful.
“His demise is causing a pain too deep to bear, especially in the NAN family.
“At 66, he is too young to die, as he was full of life,” Ponle said.
The managing director, who was represented on the visit by Mr. Ephraims Sheyin, Head, Lagos Operations, said that the deceased was loved by all because he showed empathy.
“He touched lives and ensured justice and equity. He is an effective mobilizer.
“While I pray for the soul to rest in peace, I pray God to give the Omu Aran community in Kwara, where he governed as Prime Minister, as well as the wife and children, the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
Ponle said that the entire journalism profession, particularly NAN, would miss the contributory role of Adebayo in the development of the profession.
Mrs Ifedun Adebayo, the deceased’s widow, who received the NAN delegation, thanked the NAN Managing Director for the great show of love since her husband took his exit.
“I am also overwhelmed with the deep affection by the NAN family in spite of the fact that my husband left the Agency several years ago.
“Practically the whole NAN family is here. Those that are not here have been calling to commiserate with us. We are grateful and shall remain grateful,” she said.
Until he retired from the services of the Agency six years ago, Adebayo served as acting Managing Director, first Executive Director, Marketing Department, and Head, Lagos Operations.
He also served as sports editor and covered the 1998 world cup held in France. (NAN).
