Remi was exemplary, inspiring trail-blazer, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday described the immediate past Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), late Mrs Oluremi Oyo, as an exemplary and inspiring trail-blazer.

Jonathan said this while reacting to Oyo’s death in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati.

The president said that he received the news with immense sadness.

Jonathan said that the deceased was one of the most eminent Nigerian female journalists in the country.

“On behalf of his family and the Federal Government, Jonathan extends sincere condolences to her husband, Vincent, her children, Otome and Okiemuote, her surviving siblings and other relatives.

“The president similarly commiserates with the Nigerian Guild of Editors who Oyo served most admirably as a two-term President in the course of her trail-blazing journalism career.

“He also condoles with the management and staff of NAN as well as many colleagues, friends and protégés she garnered in her very fulfilled life.

“Jonathan joins them in mourning Dame Oyo who, having attained great success in a profession hitherto dominated by men, patriotically entered national service as Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003.

“She also served with great distinction as the first female Press Secretary to a Nigerian Head of State until 2007.

“The president believes that although she was already much honoured in life with accolades and awards including Officer of the Order of the Niger, Dame Oyo will always be remembered.

“He also believes that the deceased will be continually honoured in posterity for her exemplary professional life, inspiring leadership qualities, motherliness and generosity.

“Dame Oyo will forever be remembered for her immense patriotism and remarkable transformation of the News Agency of Nigeria during her tenure as the agency’s Managing Director.

“The president prayed that God Almighty will comfort her family and all who mourn Dame Oyo, and grant her kind soul peaceful repose in eternity.”