NAN Editor-in-Chief retires after decades of dedicated service

Mufutau Ojo, the Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday retired from active service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60, bringing to a close a long career in journalism and public service.

The Editor-in-Chief, who also marked his 60th birthday on Friday, was celebrated by staff members at NAN headquarters in Abuja.

His retirement marks the end of his tenure as Editor-in-Chief, a position he assumed in December 2024 after a career spanning more than two decades within the agency and the wider journalism profession.

Ojo succeeded Ephraim Sheyin, who retired on December 11, 2024 after 35 years of service.

Before he was appointed Editor-in-Chief, Ojo served in several key editorial and managerial positions at NAN, including Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Zonal Manager in Ibadan, and Director of Special Duties.

He also served as Special Adviser to the Managing Director of the agency, gaining experience across editorial management, administration, and strategic operations.

As Editor-in-Chief, he was responsible for providing editorial direction for NAN’s news operations, overseeing more than 500 editors and reporters working across the agency’s headquarters, directorates, state and district offices.

His tenure came at a time when the media industry was undergoing significant changes driven by digital journalism, evolving audience expectations, and growing demand for speed, accuracy, and credibility in news reporting.

Under his editorial leadership, NAN continued to provide news coverage from across Nigeria while maintaining its role as a major source of news for the country’s media organisations and other stakeholders.

Ojo’s career at NAN was also marked by a progression through the ranks, from editorial and field assignments to senior management positions, culminating in his appointment as Editor-in-Chief.

He graduated with a degree in English from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1988, where he received the Ogungbesan Prize as the best graduating student in the department.

He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and Lagos State University respectively, as well as a Master of Business Administration.

Ojo is a Fellow of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, London, and has built a reputation through his years of work in journalism, editorial management, and professional development.

His retirement was formally acknowledged by the agency at a valedictory session held in his honour in Abuja on August 10.

At the session, the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, announced the appointment of the Managing Editor, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu, as Ojo’s successor.

The transition is expected to provide continuity in the leadership of the agency’s editorial operations as Ojo exits active service.

For NAN staff, his retirement represents the departure of a senior journalist who spent a substantial part of his professional life within the agency and rose through different responsibilities before attaining its highest editorial position.

Ojo’s exit also brings another chapter of NAN’s editorial leadership to a close, while his successor assumes responsibility for guiding the agency’s newsroom and maintaining its mandate of providing credible and timely news to Nigerians and the international community.

As he bows out of active service, Ojo leaves behind a career defined by journalism, editorial responsibility, and service to Nigeria’s national news agency.