By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mourned the death of veteran journalist, communication scholar and former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Professor Idowu Sobowale, who died on Thursday at the age of 85.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described Sobowale’s death as a significant loss to Lagos State and Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu said the late professor was one of Nigeria’s pioneer mass communication scholars and a former war correspondent whose contributions to journalism and education left a lasting impact.
He noted that Sobowale’s death had created a vacuum in the education sector, while extending his condolences to the academic community, the deceased’s family, colleagues and associates.
“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 governor said.
He described the late professor as a symbol of dedication and selflessness in public and private service, highlighting his contributions to education in Lagos State and Nigeria, particularly as a mass communication scholar and commissioner for education.
Sanwo-Olu prayed for the repose of Sobowale’s soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, colleagues and students the strength to bear the loss.
