In a statement released Friday, jointly signed by Comrades Osaretin Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, Chairman and Secretary of Council respectively, it noted that, “Oba who worked at different times with both Leadership and Blueprint Newspapers was a tireless defender of the freedom, independence and pluralism of the media.
“Responsible reportage was his life’s struggle, which he fought with unshakeable conviction and upheld the ethics of the profession till the end” the statement read in part.
“With boundless energy and a ready commitment to proactive reporting, Oba in synergy with his fellow Agric reporters nurtured and registered “The Media Network for Food and Water Safety” which was meant to revolutionize food and water reportage in Nigeria. This best explained why many media practitioners mourned his passing.
“There is no doubt that this is certainly not the best of time for the NUJ family and Agric correspondents. It is more disturbing that he died when his services were most needed by the Council and his community”.
Speaking to NationsPride, the chairman of Ondo State Journalists Forum, Mr. Sola Akingboye, revealed that the late John Oba participated in an online meeting of the forum, which ended at about 8:40pm on the eve of his demise, and that the deceased made meaningful contributions.
He said was so shock to hear the next morning that Oba is gone. He said John was in a perfect condition on Wednesday before the news of his sudden death on Thursday morning.