Tributes pour in for late Daily Independent Business Editor

Journalists, labour leaders, friends, well-wishers, and family members on Friday paid tributes to the late Daily Independent Business Editor, Sylvester Enoghase. 

The day of tributes for the late Business Editor was organised by the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) in Lagos.

The Managing Director (MD), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Oluwaseun Faleye, described the late editor as an exceptional journalist.

Faleye was represented by the LAWAN Chairman, Toba Agboola, who read the MD’s tributes to participants at the event.

The MD also described the deceased as a committed advocate for workers’ welfare, and a steadfast ally of the Nigerian labour movement.

He said: “He was a thoroughbred professional who used his pen, not for personal interest, but as a platform to advance the interest and wellbeing of workers and the Nigeria Labour system.

“Comrade Sylvester Enoghase’s unwavering commitment to social justice, fairness, and the welfare of working people will remain a reference point in the annals of Nigeria’s journalism.

“The Nigerian Labour Movement has lost a dependable ally, a friend and mediator. 

“His sudden passing leaves a vacuum in labour reportage that will be deeply felt.”

Faleye prayed for the late journalist’s family members and friends that the Almighty God would give them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Also, Oyinkan Olasanoye, a former President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), described the deceased as a very strong ally.

Olasanoye said: “He is somebody that believes so much in a valued relationship and I got to know him around the year 2005, when we had a little crisis, then in ASSBIFI.

“For as long as the crisis lasted, he was always with us. 

“He did everything possible to resolve the crisis.”

Olasanoye encouraged the late Enoghase’s family members, urging them to remain strong and continue in the legacy their late husband and father left behind.

On his part, the Deputy Secretary General, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Tony Marsha, described the deceased as a frontline journalist, co-professional, and workaholic.

Marsha said: “So, we are complimenting him for a life well led. 

“We want to say that he has, in fact, paid greatly to the profession and to the family.

“We can only pray that God will grant his soul eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the burden of loss.”

Marsha urged the labour journalists in particular to, as part of further contribution to the legacy of the deceased, continue to maintain dignity in relating with their social partners.

According to him, part of the social responsibility of journalists is to hold the government accountable so that the society can continue to grow.

The labour leader said: “If we must continue to serve the memory of Sylvester, we must maintain that momentum of keeping the government in check.

“We also have the responsibility to continue to highlight the quality conditions of the working class.”

Earlier in his speech, the LAWAN chairman expressed gratitude to the guests, labour unions, and family members present at the event.

He said: “Your presence here today is a profound testament to the love, kindness, and respect that Comrade Sly inspired while alive.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖