Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, have mourned the late Chairman of the Ogun State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Soji Amosu.

In separate statements made available to newsmen on Monday, the duo of Abiodun and Amosun expressed sadness that the late journalist died at a time he was highly needed.

Speaking through the Ogun Commissioner for Information, Waheed Odusile, Abiodun described Amosu as a quintessential journalist and humble person, noting that he as the NUJ chairman had a robust official and personal relationship with the state government.

“Ogun State wishes to commiserate with the family of Comrade Olusoji Samson Amosu the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over his death.

“The state government equally expresses its deep condolences to the entire members of the Ogun NUJ, over this sad occurrence.

“Amosu, as the NUJ chairman had a robust official and personal relationship with the state government, and ensured a synergy between the Ogun state government and journalists in the state.

“Our hearts, however, go out to his immediate family he left behind, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) where he was a Deputy Director until his demise and the entire Ogun NUJ family.

“We pray God to give his family fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement read.

In the same vein, the former governor and Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District described Amosu’s death as a great loss, not only to his immediate family, but to the entire members of the pen profession in Nigeria.

Amosun, in a statement by his media aide, Bola Adeyemi, noted that the late journalist exuded professionalism, tenacity and exemplary leadership traits during his lifetime.

“Comrade Olusoji Amosu discharged himself creditably well in the many capacities that he served during his sojourn at the Ogun State Council of NUJ. As a two-term Secretary and later Chairman of the Council, Soji served selflessly, and left indelible imprints in the sands of time.

“It is sad that the NUJ Chairman would answer the call at this critical moment when his wealth of experience and professional competence are mostly required.

“As painful as his death could be, Senator Ibikunle Amosun enjoins members of his immediate family, the Ogun State Council of NUJ, and indeed the National body of the Union to take solace in the knowledge that, though Comrade Olusoji Amosu died at a young age of 53 years, he led a life of service to humanity.

“May Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his family, colleagues and associates, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement read.