I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of my friend, Mr Dotun Oladipo, former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and Publisher of The Eagle Online, who passed away yesterday, Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at the age of 56.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the President and entire members of GOCOP, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, journalism professionals, the wider Nigerian media community and all Nigerians on this painful and deeply saddening loss.
Dotun was not only an accomplished journalist and publisher, but also a great friend, dependable professional and a man of considerable wisdom, warmth and integrity. He had a profound understanding of journalism, publishing and the evolving digital media environment. He was among those who recognised the growing importance of online media in Nigeria and contributed immensely to its professional development.
His leadership of GOCOP from 2017 to 2021 came at a formative period in the growth of online publishing in Nigeria. Through his dedication, experience and commitment, he contributed significantly to strengthening the Guild, promoting professionalism and fostering greater cooperation among online publishers. His contribution to the development of GOCOP and online journalism will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
For me personally, the passing of Dotun is particularly painful. He was a great friend and a trusted professional colleague who was always there with wise counsel, support and a reassuring word. During my tenure as Director Army Public Relations, he was consistently supportive, accessible and professional, demonstrating a deep understanding of the responsibilities of public communication and the demands of journalism. Even after my retirement from the Nigerian Army, he remained a valued friend and colleague, always willing to engage, share his thoughts and offer constructive advice. His friendship was genuine, and his wisdom, loyalty and professionalism were deeply appreciated.
His death has therefore left a profound void in his family, GOCOP, the Nigerian media community and among the many journalists, publishers, public relations practitioners and other professionals whose lives he touched. His experience, passion for journalism, commitment to professional excellence and belief in the importance of a vibrant online media industry will be greatly missed.
At this difficult moment, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, particularly those closest to him, as well as the President and entire membership of GOCOP, his colleagues at The Eagle Online and the wider journalism community.
I pray that Almighty God will grant his family and all of us who mourn him the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and grant the soul of my dear friend, Dotun Oladipo, eternal rest.
May his memory remain a blessing, and may his contributions to Nigerian journalism and online publishing continue to inspire generations of media professionals.
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni PhD fnipr, former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, lives in Abuja, Nigeria.
