The Nigeria Press Council over the weekend condoled the Nigeria Union of Journalists [NUJ] over the passing of pioneer secretary of the union, Pa Jola Ogunlusi.
In a statement by its executive secretary, Dr Dili Ezugha, the NPC described Pa Ogunlusi as an icon of the country’s media activism, and the only known officer in history who served the NUJ pro bono.
“An icon of the nation’s media activism, Pa Ogunlusi is the only known officer in history that served the NUJ pro bono. He equally played a key role in the morphing of the NUJ into a trade union; hence he was appointed the first executive national secretary of the body on full time basis”, the statement reads.
The statement further lauded Pa Ogunlusi’s active involvement and leading role in trade unionism which spilled over to the mother union, the Nigeria Labour Congress [NLC].
According to the statement, Pa Ogunlusi, who belonged to the “almost atrophied class of brave Journalists wary of ethical misconduct than any despotic authority “, left his foot print in the sands of the nation’s ecosystem.
While condoling the NUJ family and other associates and stakeholders in the media industry, the NPC urged members of the Press Corp to emulate the culture of ethical journalism for which Pa Ogunlusi was known in his days on the field.
The Council also urged Pa Ogunlusi’s family to take solace in the fact that he lived a good life which contributed immensely to nation building.
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