Bolarinwa mourns veteran journalist Dotun Oladipo

Former President of the Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB),  Rasheed Bolarinwa, has mourned the death of veteran journalist and media entrepreneur, Dotun Oladipo.

Bolarinwa, in a tribute to Oladipo on Wednesday described him as a principled advocate of ethical journalism and responsible media practice.

He said Nigeria had lost a distinguished journalist who contributed significantly to professionalism and responsible journalism in the media industry.

Bolarinwa described Oladipo, founder of The EagleOnline and former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), as a friend, ally, confidant and brother.

He said their relationship dated back to the late 1990s when they were colleagues at The Punch newspapers.

According to him, Oladipo distinguished himself as a calm and principled journalist committed to responsible journalism and the public interest.

He said their relationship continued after they pursued different career paths, with Oladipo remaining in journalism while he moved into corporate communications and banking.

Bolarinwa said their shared commitment to professionalism later brought them together through their leadership roles at ACAMB and GOCOP.

He described Oladipo as a voice of reason during difficult moments, particularly when misinformation threatened relations between the banking industry and the media.

“He understood the power of journalism, but equally appreciated the responsibility that came with it,” Bolarinwa said.

He recalled that Oladipo had helped to douse tensions during media crises and promoted understanding between stakeholders.

Bolarinwa also recalled visiting Oladipo at The EagleOnline office in Ogba, Lagos, describing the visit as an opportunity to see his personal side as a media entrepreneur and devoted family man.

He said Oladipo consistently advocated collaboration between credible media organisations and corporate institutions, particularly through his activities at GOCOP.

Bolarinwa expressed condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues and the wider media community, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.