Bakare’s death, a big loss to Nigeria says Buhari

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of the late Waheed Bakare who died on Sunday evening of May 24, 2020 after a brief illness,said his death big loss.

The president commiserated particularly with the media industry, Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigeria Guild of Editors, over the passing of their colleague Bakare who was until his death, the Saturday Editor of New Telegraph Newspaper.

President Buhari

Buhari described the editor’s death as a collective loss to the media and the nation that he served passionately with his God given talent he prayed for the repose of his soul.

The Osun State Governor, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, in his condolence message described the death of Bakare as devastating and a great loss not only to his immediate family but also to the journalism profession in Nigeria.

Oyetola in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, commiserated with his  family, friends, colleagues, the Journalists’ Hangout family and the management of The New Telegraph Newspapers on the death of late Bakare.

He described the late Bakare, as a hardworking, talented, cerebral and an accomplished journalist, noting that he would be sorely missed by the media and the society at large.

“I received with great shock the passing of Alhaji Waheed Bakare, Editor, Saturday New Telegraph. His death is not only a loss to his family, but also to the journalism profession.

“As people who believe in God, we should take it in good faith and give gratitude to God that the late journalist ran a good race and gave a good account of himself as a newsroom leader and gatekeeper.

“As a professional and a devout Muslim, Bakare showed class in the discharge of his responsibilities.

“My deep condolences go to the entire family, the New Telegraph management as well as the entire journalists in Nigeria. He will be sorely missed.

“I pray Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanah Firdaus. I also pray Allah to comfort his bereaved family and loved ones,” the governor stated..

Also in their condolence message, the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, describing him as “a thoroughbred Journalist, a devoted brother, a humble and wonderful personality.

His death coming on the Sallah day according to the statement signed by the MMPN President, Alhaji AbdurRahman Balogun, was quite painful to them as a group, stating that they are consoled that he died as a believer

Bakare until, his death last sunday was a regular feature on Television Continental (TVC) Journalists Hangout, he had also worked in other media houses the Punch newspaper from where he joined the New Telegraph newspaper. He became Saturday  Editor in 2015.

According to a family source, their brother was a firm believer of Allah, a caring and wonderful personality. His remains have since been buried according to Islamic rites.