PUNCH Nigeria Limited Chairman Gbadebowale Aboderin is dead. He died at 6:05am on Wednesday following a heart surgery at First Cardiology Consultants, Lagos. He was 60.
Chief Dele Momodu, Publisher of Ovation International first broke the news on Nigerian social media on Thursday.
Breaking news: with very heavy heart, I just received the sad and unbelievable report of the death of my dear friend and Brother WALE ABODERIN, the Chairman of THE PUNCH Newspapers… May his kind soul Rest in Peace…
— Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) May 31, 2018
President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have extended their condolences to the Aboderin family over the death.
The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), consisting of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has also commiserated with the late family.
The late aboderin, who was a United States (U.S.) trained pilot and Government College, Ibadan alumnus, was also chairman, PUNCH Commercial Printing Limited and Lukahed Properties Limited.
He was the founder and chairman of Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation, a former chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association and a one-time vice-president of the Nigerian Basketball Supporters Club.
The Nation reports that Wale’s father, Olu Aboderin, who co-founded The Punch, along with “Uncle” Sam Amuka-Pemu, also died in February 1984 – six months before his 60th birthday.
Aboderin is survived by his wife, Titilayo, and children.
In a statement by President Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari commiserated with all members of NPAN, the media and sports industry on the death of the respected entrepreneur and philanthropist.
The President said Aboderin, who was greatly admired by his peers in the media and sports industry, would be long remembered for his resourcefulness, managerial proficiency and invaluable contributions to the growth of the sectors.
Buhari prayed that God Almighty would comfort all who mourn the late Aboderin and grant his soul eternal rest.
The NPO, in a statement by its President, Nduka Obaigbena, said it was saddened at the news of the untimely death of The Punch Chairman.
He described Wale as a consummate sport enthusiast, jovial, amiable and easy going.
“His death is a big blow, not just to The Punch Group, but to the entire media landscape of Nigeria and Africa.
He followed generations of media owners, who served the public purpose.
“We offer our condolences to the Aboderin family and The Punch Group. May his soul find peace. Perfect peace.”
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