Obasanjo, Amosun Mourn Remi Oyo

Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed his sadness on the demise of his former Senior Special Assistant on Media, Oluremi Oyo.

In a condolence message sent to Oyo’s family, Obasanjo said that the sudden demise of the thorough-bred professional in journalism has left a sour taste in his mouth and her impact in the pen profession would not be forgotten soon.

He noted that the journalism industry has been dominated by those who had been positively influenced, directly or indirectly, by her professional sagacity and integrity.

The former president described her as a dutiful and hard working woman who gave her best to the end in the service of her fatherland, noting that she was not only dutiful but she was professional and loyal to his government and Nigeria as a nation.

Obasanjo added that the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, left an indelible mark in her national assignment at the federal level.

He added that the passage was painful, especially when she still had a lot to offer the country.

Also the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed sadness at the death of front-line female journalist and former Presidential Spokesperson, Oluwaremilekun Oyo.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, Amosun said that he was shocked by the sudden death of the veteran journalist, describing it as a big loss to journalism in particular and the media industry in general.

“Dame Oyo was not only an icon of an ideal journalist but also a trailblazer in the pen profession who was well respected in the media world.

“I recall those days at the Villa, when I was a senator, I used to marvel at her energy and dedication to duty as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2007.

“I used to wonder how a woman could keep up with such a strenuous job as the first female spokesperson to a president.”

The Governor also acknowledged her superlative performance in all professional capacities, noting that “as a reporter, editor and Nigerian Bureau Chief of Rome-based Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS), Remi Oyo exhibited a passion for journalism, which made her attain greater heights, including election as the first female president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and subsequent appointment as Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria.”

Further lamenting the death of Oyo, who he said was a shining example to other female journalists, Amosun commiserated with her family, management and staff of NAN, the NGE as well as the media industry in Nigeria.

He prayed to the almighty God to grant her soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.