By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described the death of renowned communication scholar, veteran journalist and former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, as a great loss to Nigeria’s media and academic communities and the nation at large.
Amosun, in a condolence message said the late professor’s contributions to journalism, communication scholarship and education had left an enduring mark on the country.
Sobowale, who died on Thursday at the age of 85, was widely recognised for his contributions to journalism practice, academic research and the professional development of communication studies in Nigeria.
A veteran journalist, Sobowale had a distinguished career with Daily Times of Nigeria Limited, where he served as a war correspondent and assistant editor between 1964 and 1975. During his time at the newspaper, he contributed to the development of journalism in Nigeria, including the introduction of opinion polling into the country’s media practice.
In academia, he distinguished himself as a teacher, researcher and professor of journalism, mentoring generations of students and scholars whose careers were shaped by his knowledge, guidance and commitment to scholarship.
He also played a pioneering role in the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), serving as its chairman before becoming life chairman of its Board of Trustees. In these capacities, he contributed to advancing communication scholarship and strengthening professional standards within the discipline.
Beyond journalism and academia, Sobowale served as Lagos State Commissioner for Education from 1999 to 2003, bringing his experience and expertise to public service.
His contributions earned him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd edition of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the deceased, Amosun described Sobowale as a man of admirable character whose warmth and friendliness endeared him to those who knew him.
“On a more personal note, I remember Prof. Idowu Sobowale as a man of noble character; friendly, accommodating and always pleasant to be with,” he said.
“He exhibited these sterling qualities when our paths crossed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when we were neighbours in the Gbagada area of Lagos State.”
The former governor said Sobowale’s death was not only a loss to the media and academic communities, but also a personal loss to those who had the privilege of knowing him beyond his professional accomplishments.
“His passing is therefore not only a loss to the media and academic communities, but also a personal loss to those of us who had the privilege of knowing him beyond his professional accomplishments,” Amosun added.
Amosun extended his condolences to the Sobowale family, particularly the deceased’s wife and children, as well as his colleagues in the media and communication professions and others mourning his death.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the late professor eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and associates the strength to bear the loss.
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