President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged journalism practitioners to continue serving the public interest hold leaders accountable and provide citizens with accurate information to make informed decisions.
He described the media as an indispensable pillar of democracy.
The President said this yesterday in a tribute to veteran journalist distinguished editor and former Managing Director of The Guardian newspaper Mr. Oyinlade ‘Ladbone’ Bonuola on his 80th birthday.
President Tinubu who celebrated Bonuola’s remarkable contributions to Nigerian journalism – spanning more than five decades – described him as one of the country’s most respected media professionals whose editorial courage integrity and commitment to truth had left an enduring imprint on the industry.
He noted that Bonuola’s professional accomplishments underscored the importance of responsible journalism in promoting public accountability strengthening democratic institutions and preserving factual records for future generations.
‘Your career reflects a profound belief that journalism must serve the public interest hold leaders accountable and give citizens the information they need to make informed decisions. Your influence extends beyond the newsrooms you led’ President Tinubu said.
He noted that the veteran journalist’s commitment to accuracy fairness and integrity represented values that must remain central to the media’s responsibility to inform the public and strengthen democracy.
The President particularly acknowledged Bonuola’s contributions to shaping the language of media reporting in Nigeria describing him as one of the exceptional editors of the 20th century.
‘At 80 you stand tall as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in journalism a man whose professional excellence editorial courage integrity and commitment to the truth have left an enduring imprint on the nation’s media landscape’ he said.
Recalling Bonuola’s professional journey President Tinubu recalled that the veteran editor began his journalism career at the Daily Times in February 1971 as a trainee sub-editor before rising through the ranks.
He subsequently joined The Guardian in 1982 as its pioneer editor and later became the Managing Director a position he held until 1999.
Bonuola also co-founded the defunct The Comet newspaper where he served as Managing Director and subsequently occupied the same position at Nigerian Compass.
The President recalled that Bonuola’s weekly column in the Daily Times ‘Caught Out’ was widely read by practising journalists journalism students and members of the public.
He said the veteran journalist’s leadership at The Guardian and The Comet which metamorphosed into The Nation newspaper demonstrated exceptional editorial judgment intellectual depth and an understanding of the media’s responsibility in building an informed and progressive society.
President Tinubu also applauded Bonuola’s mentorship of younger journalists noting that his influence extended beyond the newsrooms he managed to generations of media practitioners who benefited from his professional example.
‘As we celebrate this remarkable milestone with you I acknowledge your legacy of professionalism mentorship and service to our country. We celebrate your invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
‘Your life and career remind us that journalism’s enduring value lies not merely in reporting events but in shaping ideas nurturing informed citizens and preserving the truth for future generations’ the President stated.
President Tinubu on behalf of his family the Federal Government and Nigerians congratulated Bonuola on attaining the milestone age and wished him many more years of good health peace and fulfilment.
He also prayed that the veteran journalist’s legacy would continue to inspire successive generations of journalists and media professionals across the country.