- Arts community mourns ex-colleague
A governorship aspirant, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, has condoled with The Nation newspaper and the family of its Assistant Editor, Evelyn Osagie, who died on Sunday.
The late Miss Osagie was an award-winning journalist, cultural advocate, and spoken-word artiste.
In a statement yesterday, Ogunbiyi, who is the Chairman of Mutual Benefits, described the late Miss Osagie as an easy-going person and a thorough-bred professional who was committed to her trade.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, who is seeking the party’s ticket to run in next year’s Osun State governorship election, recalled that Evelyn displayed true professionalism when she reviewed his autobiography: Akin Ogunbiyi: Footprints of a Peerless Entrepreneur.
He wrote: “She did the review from an intellectually unique angle. She saw and analysed life and individual achievements from a human angle that was unique to her.
“We have lost a very brilliant journalist who always promoted human life. Anytime we discussed, she told me that an insurance conglomerate must always deliver meaningful and outcome-based benefits to its customers.”
Also, the Nigerian arts and culture community has expressed grief over the passing of Miss Osagie.
A statement yesterday by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), Tony Okuyeme, reads: “It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and member, Evelyn Osagie. She dedicated her life to celebrating and nurturing the arts, enriching our cultural landscape with her insightful writings, passionate advocacy, spoken word performances, and unwavering commitment.
“Over the years, Osagie built a reputation as a passionate promoter of the arts, using her pen and voice to spotlight talents, inspire budding creatives, and deepen public appreciation for Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“Colleagues and associates remember her not only for her professional excellence but also for her kindness, generosity, and enduring love for artistic expression.
“Her legacy is one of creativity, kindness, and an enduring love for cultural expression,” ACWAN said.
The association urged members of the creative community and the general public to pay tributes to the late writer, extending its condolences to her family and loved ones.
“May Evelyn Osagie’s soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement added.
