The Ogun State media community was thrown into mourning on Monday following the sudden death of a seasoned broadcast journalist, Mrs. Bukola Agbakaizu, a staff member of Ogun State Television (OGTV), Abeokuta.
Agbakaizu, 52, reportedly slumped while preparing for her afternoon shift at the state-owned station and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, where she was pronounced dead.
Her death was confirmed in a statement by the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Mr. Bunmi Adigun, who described her as a versatile journalist and passionate comrade.
“Agbakaizu, a dedicated staff member of OGTV, tragically collapsed while preparing for her afternoon shift. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Federal Medical Centre,” the statement read.
Adigun added that the late journalist had served as the former Vice Chairman of the OGTV Chapel and was a key member of the Wale Olanrewaju-led Executive. “Her vibrant spirit and commitment to journalism will be sorely missed, leaving an irreplaceable void in our community,” he said.
Until her death, Mrs. Agbakaizu was an ex-officio member of the Ogun NUJ Council.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter, also expressed deep sorrow over the loss. In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Mrs. Sekinat Salam, the association said the news came as a rude shock.
“Her death came at a time her experience and exemplary leadership would have been most needed by the association,” Salam noted.
She described Agbakaizu as a compassionate and dedicated media professional whose passion for journalism was evident in her service to both the NUJ and NAWOJ in Ogun State.
“Though she passed on at the age of 52, her dedication to God and service to humanity will keep her memory alive. We pray that her soul finds eternal rest, and may God protect and comfort the family she left behind,” the statement concluded.
Mrs. Agbakaizu is survived by two children, her aged mother, colleagues, and numerous friends and admirers.
