Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the death of veteran journalist, communication scholar and former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Idowu Sobowale, describing his passing as a significant loss to Lagos State and Nigeria.
Sobowale, a pioneer mass communication scholar and former war correspondent, died on Thursday at the age of 85.
Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the late professor made remarkable contributions to education, journalism and public service.
The governor noted that Sobowale’s death had created a vacuum in the education sector, given his contributions to scholarship and the development of mass communication in Nigeria.
He described the deceased as an accomplished academic whose wealth of experience in journalism, education and politics distinguished him among his contemporaries.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Sobowale demonstrated dedication and selflessness in both private and public service, leaving an enduring legacy in Lagos State and the country.
He said, “Prof. Idowu Sobowale was a renowned scholar and one of the few Nigerians in academia who used their extensive experience to make a mark in the education, media, and political sectors in Nigeria.
“The passing of Prof. Sobowale is a great loss to Lagos State and Nigeria. He is an epitome of dedication and selflessness in private and public service. He contributed significantly to the education sector in Lagos State and Nigeria, especially as mass communication scholar and Lagos State Commissioner for Education.”
The governor also extended his condolences to the academic community, the deceased’s family, colleagues, associates and students, urging them to take solace in the late professor’s contributions to society.
He prayed for the repose of Sobowale’s soul and for God to grant those he left behind the strength to bear the loss.
“I pray that Almighty God is pleased with his soul and grants his family, friends, colleagues and students the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Sanwo-Olu said.
