Beyond Journalism; A Shola Ilesanmi's Tribute

To the ever living firebrand Shola Ilesanmi of OSRC, Orange FM, OSRC, AAUA, BBC, Ondo State, and beyond. 

Tied to a lead with chains, rather than ropes, our heart is thrown to the middle of the ocean with no one to come to our rescue. A time like this would have been perfect for a fact-checker to debunk the information as a fake news.

If only it can be debunked…

Shola Ilesanmi is a man of unpretentious heart, an impact-maker, an instructional guide and guidance, an inspiration that can not be sidelined.

We miss a man whose story will inspire generations to come.  We miss the icon who was always there whenever we need him for anything. 

When something is beyond description, the Yourba people will always spell it out by saying in their dialect that, Ajanaku ko’ja mo ri n’kan firi.

A Journalist and humanist; a boss like a brother, a mentor whose remarkable personality, actions, impact, kindness, leadership skills, humility, and loving tenderness will forever be missed.

There are few indefatigable journalists who have amassed, created, and presented impactful stories in various newsrooms in Nigeria over the years. 

Shola ilesanmi has exhibited his talent, lambency, and dissertation through the fact checking myriad of fake news across the country.

He had written with great empathy for society and in a way that brought the stories to reality. 

He was a courageous writer and rare pen connoisseur, mostly when it came to telling the human angle related stories. 

Your deeds and incredible dissertations will forever remain a bequest legacy both for practicing and uprising journalists to look up to.

Even in ecstasy and hot seat, Shola kept alive the breath of the values of truth and public interest in journalism at hearts even as he breathed his last on earth.

Perhaps, this day will never leave our memories. For us who had the grace to meet the icon, Shola Ilesanmi. For us who know his story and daily get inspired to keep pushing and forging ahead diligently, his death will never leave our hearts.

We earthly lost him but we believe you are heavenly gained. Rest on boss🕊️