Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of Elder Saka Bolaji, a veteran journalist and Daily Times correspondent in Minna, Niger State.
Bolaji, who once served as a correspondent for the Herald newspaper in Kwara State, reportedly died in his sleep on Monday night. His body was discovered Tuesday morning after neighbours forced his door open. He was said to have been battling an undisclosed ailment and was scheduled to travel to Ilorin for further treatment on Tuesday.
In a condolence message conveyed through the Acting Director of Information of the Niger State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mairo Adamu Mani, Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji described Bolaji’s passing as “sad and unfortunate.”
The Speaker praised the late journalist’s decades of service to the profession, noting his adherence to ethics and professionalism.
“Elder Saka Bolaji was a perfect gentleman whose work reflected integrity and dedication. His sudden death is a great shock. As a believer, I know death is inevitable, but his passing is still a painful loss. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, the NUJ, and the Correspondents’ Chapel,” Sarkindaji said, praying for God to grant Bolaji eternal rest.
Also mourning the veteran reporter, former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism and APC chieftain in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, described Bolaji’s death as “a painful and irreparable loss.”
Vatsa said the late journalist’s contributions went beyond reporting, highlighting his role as a voice for the voiceless and a bridge between government and the governed.
“He was dedicated to truth, fairness, and objectivity. His life was an example of integrity in journalism. Though he is gone, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of journalists,” Vatsa said.
He extended his condolences to Bolaji’s family, the Niger NUJ Council, and the Correspondents’ Chapel, praying for God’s comfort and strength for them.
Elder Saka Bolaji’s death has left a void in Niger State’s media community, with colleagues describing him as a committed professional whose work impacted journalism both within and beyond the state.