President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the media industry, particularly Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigeria Guild of Editors, over the passing of the Saturday Editor of New Telegraph, Waheed Bakare.
The President’s condolence message was released by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Monday.
Buhari also sent condolences to family of the deceased and management of New Telegraph Newspapers.
The president described the editor’s death as a collective loss to the media and the nation that he served passionately with his talent.
He prayed that God would receive the soul of the departed, and comfort all that mourned him.
Also, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has described the passing of Bakare as devastating and a great loss not only to his immediate family but also to the journalism profession in Nigeria.
Bakare, who passed on Sunday after a brief illness, was buried in his Sango-Ota, Ogun State residence.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, commiserated with Bakare’s family, friends, colleagues, the Journalists’ Hangout family and the management of The NewTelegraph Newspapers over the demise of the late Bakare.
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.
“As a professional and a devout Muslim, Bakare showed class in the discharge of his responsibilities.
“My deep condolences go to the entire family, the New Telegraph management as well as the entire journalists in Nigeria. He will be sorely missed.
“I pray Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanah Firdaus. I also pray Allah to comfort his bereaved family and loved ones,” Oyetola added.
