Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, don describe the death of renowned communication scholar, veteran journalist and former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, as a great loss to Nigeria media and academic communities and the nation at large.
Amosun, inside one condolence message, talk say the late professor contributions to journalism, communication scholarship and education leave an enduring mark on the country.
Sobowale die on Thursday at the age of 85. People widely recognise am for him contributions to journalism practice, academic research and professional development of communication studies for Nigeria.
As veteran journalist, Sobowale get distinguished career with Daily Times of Nigeria Limited, where e serve as war correspondent and assistant editor between 1964 and 1975.
During him time for the newspaper, e contribute to development of journalism for Nigeria, including the introduction of opinion polling into the country media practice.
For academia, he distinguish himself as teacher, researcher and professor of journalism, mentoring generations of students and scholars whose careers him knowledge, guidance and commitment to scholarship shape.
He also play pioneering role for Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), serving as chairman before he become life chairman of its Board of Trustees.
In these capacities, he contribute to advancing communication scholarship and strengthening professional standards inside the discipline.
Beyond journalism and academia, Sobowale serve as Lagos State Commissioner for Education from 1999 to 2003, bringing him experience and expertise to public service.
Him contributions earn am national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), as well as Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd edition of Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
Reflecting on him personal relationship with the deceased, Amosun describe Sobowale as man of admirable character whose warmth and friendliness endear am to those who know am.
‘On a more personal note, I remember Prof. Idowu Sobowale as a man of noble character; friendly, accommodating and always pleasant to be with,’ he talk.
‘He exhibit these sterling qualities when our paths cross in late 1980s and early 1990s, when we be neighbours for Gbagada area of Lagos State.’
The former governor talk say Sobowale death no be only loss to media and academic communities, but also personal loss to those who get privilege of knowing am beyond him professional accomplishments.
‘His passing is therefore not only a loss to the media and academic communities, but also a personal loss to those of us who had the privilege of knowing him beyond his professional accomplishments,’ Amosun add.
Amosun extend him condolences to Sobowale family, particularly the deceased wife and children, as well as him colleagues for media and communication professions and others wey dey mourn him death.
He pray say Almighty God go grant the late professor eternal rest and give him family, friends, colleagues and associates strength to bear the loss.
