Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has described the death of Alhaji Waheed Bakare, Saturday Editor of New Telegraph Newspapers, as “a devastating blow and a great loss to his immediate family and journalism in Nigeria”.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Monday in Osogbo commiserated with Bakare’s family, friends, colleagues, the Journalists’ Hangout family and the management of The New Telegraph Newspapers over the loss.
The governor described Bakare as a hardworking, talented, cerebral and accomplished journalist that would be sorely missed by all.
He said: “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 all 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.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Bakare died on Sunday after a brief illness.