By Jumu’ah Abiodun

Inna Lillahi wa Inna ilaihi raji’in (We belong to Allah and to Him shall we return)

When I received the devastating news of the demise of Saturday Editor of New Telegraph newspaper, Alhaji Waheed Bakare, on the WhatsApp platform of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, (MMPN) Lagos state Chapter last night, my joy for this year’s Eid-il-Fitr was cut short.

The late Bakare was my friend, a brother from another mother and boss. As a friend we talked about life and family from time to time, consistently checking up on each other to know the welfare of our families. As a friend, my future was critical to him, he always asked me about my next line of action.

As a boss, regardless of whether it’s 8 pm of any Friday night that newspapers were ready to go for print and I needed any of my articles or pictures to go for publication, he was always there for me.

I could remember, the last time we both wine and dine was during the birthday of former Osun State Director of Bureau of Communication, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon at Ndubusi Kanu Park, Alausa Ikeja.

For those of us who love to watch Journalists Hangout on Television Continental, TVC, we won’t be able to see this media genius again.

Late Bakare is recognized for his immeasurable contributions in journalism home and abroad.

I pray may Allah grant him Al-Janah Firdaus and strengthen the family, New Telegraph newspaper, MMPN, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, and Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 

So sad, I won’t see this rare gem again; very intelligent, silent, and humble man will be sorely missed. Till we meet again, rest in peace, my brother!!!

Jumu’ah Abiodun is a social commentator, political analyst and journalist based in Lagos.