LAGOS – No fewer than 70 sympathisers on Friday signed the condolence register of the immediate past Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dame Oluremi Oyo, who died on Oct.1.
Oyo, a former presidential Spokesperson and a former President of the Guild of Editors, died at a London hospital at the age of 61.
Some notable dignitaries from the mass media, the Catholic Church and Lagos State, where she lived, paid a condolence visit to her husband, Vincent.
Among the dignitaries was Mr Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager, Vanguard Media Ltd., Publishers of the Vanguard newspaper.
He described the late Oyo as a media heroine.
Adefaye, also a former President of the Guild of Editors, said that Oyo was a model for female journalists and a mentor in the journalism profession. [eap_ad_2] “I can beat my chest to say that she was more than a mentor to me; she was a sister who brought me actively into the profession,” he said.
Adefaye said that Oyo promoted the dignity of female journalists by setting the pace as the first female president of the guild, first female presidential spokesperson and first female managing director of NAN.
Also among the sympathisers was a delegation from St. Joachim Catholic Church, Ijegun, Lagos, where she worshipped.
The leader of the delegation, Mr Martins Nwabuwa, described Oyo as a rare gem.
“Mrs Oyo had qualities that were difficult to come by; she was a rare gem to the church and the country at large,” he said.
A retired Director, West African Examinations Council, Dr Clementinah Owokade, said that Oyo was a caring mother to the youth and less privileged children.
“Aunty Remi, who called me her sister, had passion for the youth which she demonstrated in organising seminars and workshops for youth empowerment.
“A lot of children and youths will feel her departure,” she said.
NAN reports that President Gooduck Jonathan had on Thursday described Oyo as an exemplary and inspiring trail blazer , who attained great success in a profession hitherto dominated by men.
The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, said that Oyo’s death was a great loss to journalism profession and the Nigerian women. (NAN) [eap_ad_3]
