President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of Peter Enahoro, one of Nigeria’s foremost journalists, who died on Tuesday at the age of 88.
The President made his feelings known in a statement by his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday.
According to him, as a gifted and iconic journalist, author and publisher, Enahoro earned the public trust by his fearless writings, tenacity, and commitment to the pursuit of truth.
Buhari recognised that the passion of the former Editor-in-Chief/Managing Director of the Daily Times; Assistant Publicity Officer, Department (now Federal Ministry) of Information and Pioneer Chairman, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, for public service was second to none.
He also lauded the deceased for using his knowledge and mastery to mentor people, who have also added value to journalism practice in the country.
Buhari urged those mourning the demise of this compatriot to reflect on his contributions to the country and build on the many honours credited to him for journalistic excellence.
”May the soul of Peter Pan rest in peace,” the President prayed.
In a related development, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of Enahoro, describing his death as a colossal loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the death of the ace columnist, popularly known as “Peter Pan” because of his column in New African Magazine, is painful and heartbreaking.
Peter Enahoro, a well-celebrated journalist, author, businessman and publisher, died on Tuesday in London at the age of 88 years.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the rich experience and knowledge of the late Enahoro, described as “perhaps Africa’s best-known international journalist” will be sorely missed.
He said: “The death of our iconic journalist, Peter Enahoro, is a great loss to the media industry and Nigeria, as well as his family and friends. ‘Peter Pan’ will be greatly missed. He made lots of positive impacts during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.
“Peter Enahoro also made the mark as an international journalist. He worked as Contributing Editor of Radio Deutsche Welle in Cologne, Germany; Africa Editor of National Zeitung in Basel, Switzerland and Editorial Director of New African magazine in London.
“He was a role model to many journalists in Nigeria having nurtured media practitioners who have become leading voices in the journalism profession and leaders in different sectors.
“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I sympathise with the Enahoro family in Uromi, Edo State over the death of the veteran and accomplished journalist. I also commiserate with the deceased friends, colleagues, and journalists in Nigeria. I pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed sadness over the death of Peter Enahoro, popularly known as Peter Pan.
In a statement issued by Mr Lanre Lasisi, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, commiserated with the family of the deceased.
He said, with the passing of Peter Pan, Nigeria has lost one of its finest journalists who lent their voices for the betterment of the country, Gbajabiamila said.
He said as a columnist, Mr. Peter Enahoro used his pen patriotically, calling attention to the salient issues in the society.
Speaker Gbajabiamila prayed for the repose of the soul of the late writer, author and publisher.
He equally prayed God to give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
