CSOs, Friends, Associates Pay Tributes to Late Tunde Oladunjoye

NewsContinental

It was indeed a day of reckoning as members of Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, friends, associates and members of the Pen profession gathered together for a  of Tribute to eulogized the attributes  of Late comrade Tunde Oladunjoye (CATO) on Sunday at the Cinema hall of Ogun State, Cultural center, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The event which was organized by the Ogun State Chapter of Civil Society Organisations reflected on the impact of Late Tunde Oladunjoye generosity and roles towards ensuring truth and justice in the society.

Speaking at the event, a veteran broadcast journalist and philanthropist, Ambassador (Dr) Babatunde Adeyemo, called on Ogun State Government and the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to adopt the Oniroyin Support Initiative (OSI) as a lasting way to immortalise late journalist and APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye.

The Oniroyin Support Initiative, a non-charity scheme designed to support widows and children of fallen journalists in Ogun State, was the brainchild of the late Oladunjoye. Which was launched officially on February 27, 2025, in Abeokuta was his final public engagement before his passing on April 4 at the age of 58

Adeyemo said, “Oladunjoye was a dogged fighter and stubborn towards achieving his dream. I thank God for wonderful life well spent. Tunde Oladunjoye has immortalised himself with Oniroyin Support Initiative.

“The best way for Ogun State Government and Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) to immortalise him is to adopt Oniroyin Support Initiative, if they love this man of honour. It should not be seen as working on the platform of someone but for the initiative to grow from strength to strength, that is the best way to honour him.

“On my apart as promoter of Oko Opo Foundation, we will make available our Hall, the Podium, within Pelican Valley Estate for free use by Oniroyin Support Initiative for any of its activities. Oko Opo Foundation will be there for Oniroyin Support Initiative.”

In attendance also was, the wife of the former president of Nigeria, Mrs Bola Obasanjo who bared her mind on Late Tunde Oladunjoye, harped on his philanthropic activities, saying his passion for human rights struggle is per excellence.

She described late Oladunjoye as a dogged man who had served humanity and had impacts on many people, stressing that he also helped the widows in his life time.

She said “Without serving humanity, you are not serving God. Comrade Tunde Oladunjoye was a dogged man who had served humanity and had impacts on people. When you called me for this  programme, I recalled his legacy, his foundation (Oniroyin Supportive Initiative) when he decided to help the widows of deceased journalists.

One day, I called Comrade Oladunjoye to help me to release a secret story about a girl child and he said he will do it. Not quite a long that I know his wife when he was introducing her to me but now, his wife is now a widow.”

In her remarks, former Lagos State Chairperson of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mrs Funke Fadugba , noted that the life of late Ambassador Olatundoye was beyond bylines and headlines as he used journalism profession to pursue the truth and speak for the voiceless in the society.

According to her, the recent launch of Oniroyin Support Initiative, OSI, by Comrade Oladunoye was borne out of his passion and determination to ensuring well being of the people, she  called on friends and associates of the deceased to ensure that the vision of the initiative continues.

In their separate remarks, the Lawmaker representing Ijebu North East, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal constituency, Honourable Joseph Adegbesan and Executive chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Mr Kehinde Dare, acknowledged the unflinching support of comrade Oladunjoye to the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration and the All Progressives Congress, saying his contributions will remain an indelible mark in the political administration of the state.

The guest speaker, Mr Richard Akinola, in his speech, described Ambassador Oladunjoye as a dogged fighter of truth and justice, whose comradeship spirit will continue to be remembered.

Earlier in her tribute, the closest friend of late Tunde Oladunjoye, who took care of him at a London hospital till his last moment, Mrs Tosin Banjo, said, her experience with Comrade Oladunjoye since they met some years ago, was too big for her to explain, describing him as a pillar of her support whose personality will be greatly missed.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Ogun State Civil Society Organisations, Comrade Barr. Bankole Solomon, expressed pleasure that Tunde Oladunjoye, CATO, lived a fulfilled and meaningful life, as he was able to impact positively on the lives of many that came across him, especially himself as his friend and confidant, which he will greatly missed.

Giving vote of thanks at the end of the event, the Day of Tributes program organizing Committee Chairman, Comrade Wole Sokunbi, a former Chairman of Ogun NUJ Council, thanked all for coming and for their continued support for the family of their late friend.