Tribune Newspaper Nation Assembly correspondent, Tijani Adeyemi yesterday died in one of the National Assembly shuttle buses.
Adeyemi according to one of his colleagues boarded one of the shuttles from the main gate, known as Mopol Gate around, at 10 am and by the time he got to the checkpoint, he was discovered to be unconscious.
Adeyemi who was rushed to the National Assembly clinic where he was confirmed dead.
He was laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery in line with Islamic rites.
President of the ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, in a condolence message to the family and the Senate Press Corps, mourned his sudden death.
He said: “As a reporter, he was known for his remarkable talent and dedication. He had an unwavering passion for journalism, and his commitment to delivering accurate and compelling narratives deeply resonated with those who had the pleasure of reading his work.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Adeyemi was a genuine and compassionate individual. To the best of my knowledge, he approached his work with empathy, seeking to understand the unique perspectives of the National Assembly, which he covered for many years.
“To the family he left behind, the Editorial Board of Tribune Newspaper, and the Senate Press Corps, please, accept my deepest condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult period. May the memories of Adeyemi provide comfort and strength during this time of grief.”
Also, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, expressed shock over the death of Adeyemi. In a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele condoled Adeyemi’s family members, management and staff of Nigerian Tribune, Senate Press Corps and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over his sudden death
Bamidele further prayed that God comfort all family members that the departed soul left behind. “Late Adeyemi was a committed, consummate and dedicated journalist, who stood for a saner Nigeria until his death. He passed away when we needed him most and when least expected.
“He was a thoroughbred professional, who devoted his life, energy and time to objective reportage of legislative plenaries, activities of standing communities and oversight functions of the Senate.
Also Senator Sharafadeen Alli(APC-Oyo South) has expressed sadness over the sudden death of Tribune Newspaper Correspondent in the Nigerian Senate, Mr. Tijani Adeyemi.
Alli in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Thursday.
Adeyemi’s sudden death, which occurred on Wednesday, has left many in shock, including Alli, who expressed deep concern over the incident.
Alli described Adeyemi’s sudden death as a great loss to the Nigerian media industry, saying the deceased was a committed journalist who had passion for accurate reporting and investigative journalism.
He said that the death of a journalist at a place of work was a painful and unfortunate development that called for greater attention to journalists’ welfare and safety.
Alli said that the Senate Press Corps and the entire Nigerian media industry had lost an hardworking member who would be greatly missed by all.
The lawmaker condoled with Adeyemi’s family, Senate Press Corps and the publishers of the Tribune Newspaper, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN).
He urged media organisations to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their employees, especially journalists who are often exposed to risks as well as hazards in the discharge of their duties.
Alli urged the family and his colleagues to take solace in the fact that he had left a mark in the media industry.
The lawmaker also called on government to address challenges faced by the media industry, including the need to strengthen the regulatory framework and provide adequate support for media practitioners.
“The Nigerian media has critical role to play in nation-building, and it is essential to create an enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear or intimidation,” he said.
He expressed hope that his legacy would inspire other journalists to strive for excellence in their profession while upholding the core values of accuracy, objectivity, and fairness.
Alli prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the late Adeyemi’s shortcomings and grant his soul perfect rest in Aljannat.
He urged the Nigerian media to continue to support the family of the deceased during this difficult period.
