…as Obasanjo’s wife, friends pay tributes
Veteran broadcast journalist and philanthropist, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo, has called on the Ogun State Government and the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to adopt the Oniroyin Support Initiative (OSI) as a lasting way to immortalise late journalist and APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye.
The Oniroyin Support Initiative, a non-charity scheme designed to support widows and children of fallen journalists in Ogun State, was the brainchild of the late Oladunjoye. Its official launch on February 27, 2025, in Abeokuta was his final public engagement before his passing on April 4 at the age of 58.
Speaking at a Day of Tributes organised by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Friends of Tunde Oladunjoye on Sunday, Adeyemo described the late media icon as a “dogged fighter” who was relentless in pursuing his dreams.
Adeyemo, founder of the Oko Opo Foundation which supports widows, children, and the less privileged, praised Oladunjoye’s life of service and vowed to support the Oniroyin Support Initiative through his foundation, affirming that Oladunjoye had already immortalised himself through the noble cause.
He said, “Oladunjoye was dogged fighter and stubborn towards achieving his dream. I thank God for wonderful life well spent. Tunde Oladunjoye has immortalised himself with Oniroyin Support Initiative.
“The best way for Ogun State Government and Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) to immortalise him is adopt Oniroyin Support Initiative if they love this man of honour. It should not be seen as working on the platform of someone but to initiative grow from strength to strength, that is the best way to honour him.
“On my apart as promoter of Oko Opo Foundation, we will make available our Hall, The Podium, within Pelican Valley Estate for free use by Oniroyin Support Initiative for any of its activities. Oko Opo Foundation will support be there to support Oniroyin Support Initiative.”
Also, in her brief remarks, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, described Oladunjoye as a dogged man who had served humanity and had impacts on people, stressing that he helped the widows in his life time.
Chief (Mrs) Obasanjo said, “Without serving humanity, you are not serving God. Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye was a dogged man who had served humanity and had impacts on people. When you called me for this programme, I recalled his legacy, his foundation (Oniroyin Supportive Initiative) when he decided to help the widows of deceased journalists.
“One day, i called Comrade Oladunjoye to help me to release a secret story about a girl child and he said he will do it. Not quite a long that I know his wife when he was introducing her to me but now his wife is now a widow.”
In attendance at the Day of Tributes included activist lawyer and state Chairman of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Veteran journalist and activist, Richard Akinnola, Funke Fadugba among others.
