Jonathan, Amosun condole with TheNEWS/P.M.NEWS

Simon Ateba

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and other dignitaries have been commiserating with the management of the Independent Communications Network Limited, ICNL, publishers of TheNews magazine and P.M.NEWS, over the fire outbreak which destroyed the third floor of the corporate headquarters of the two publications on Wednesday 21 November.

The president in a letter sent today extended his sympathies and that of his government to the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of ICNL, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and prayed for a speedy recovery from the huge losses

suffered by the company.

“It is my hope and prayer that you will swiftly surmount all the resultant challenges and disruptions so that your popular publications can continue to contribute positively to the growth of democracy and good governance in Nigeria,” the president stated in a letter he personally signed.

In his own letter, the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun said that only those who knew the beautiful edifice hosting both publications before the fire outbreak could understand the big loss the company has suffered.

“It is noteworthy that the quality of journalism practice being exhibited by the practitioners in your organisation makes it a leading light in the industry. I am sure this incident is a temporary setback and that with the vibrancy of and determination for which your organisation is well known, you shall overcome it,” Amosun said.

Amosun prayed for a swift restoration of everything lost during the incident.

Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon and Rep member, Abiodun Faleke, also visited ICNL to commiserate with the management over the huge loss.

They described the incident as unfortunate and prayed for a quick reconstruction of the building. Both lawmakers said they came to commiserate with the company, in recognition of its role as a leading fighter for the democracy that Nigerians are now enjoying.

“It is most unfortunate that such an incident occurred. We however take solace in the fact that no life was lost. I pray that your organization recover from the shock quickly to continue in your selfless service as the voice of the selfless”, said Senator Solomon in his condolence message to the 20 year old organization.

Among the sympathisers this week were the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his deputy, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka; Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba and the Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello. All were stupefied by the extent of damage seen on the third floor of the building.

Mrs. Glory Shav, a manager in the sales department of CAPL,the owners of the Dulux brand, also led a three-person team from the company to visit ICNL.