Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has congratulated veteran journalist and former Managing Director of The Guardian newspaper, Oyinlade Bonuola, on his 80th birthday.
The President praised his contributions to journalism, professional mentorship and Nigeria’s democratic development.
In a personally signed tribute, the Nigerian leader described the milestone as a reflection of decades of professional excellence, editorial leadership and service to the country’s media industry.
The President recalled that Bonuola began his journalism career at the Daily Times in February 1971 as a trainee sub-editor before joining The Guardian in 1982 as its pioneer editor.
He subsequently served as the newspaper’s managing director until 1999.
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President Tinubu also acknowledged Bonuola’s role as co-founder and managing director of the defunct Comet newspaper, as well as his subsequent service as managing director of Nigerian Compass.
He highlighted Bonuola’s weekly column, Caught Out, published during his years at the Daily Times, describing it as an important resource for journalists, journalism students and members of the public.
“As former Managing Director of The Guardian and co-founder of The Comet, which later became The Nation newspaper, you demonstrated exceptional leadership, intellectual depth, and a keen understanding of the press’s power to build a just, informed, and progressive society.”
Describing Bonuola as one of the outstanding editors of the 20th century, President Tinubu said his contributions included promoting responsible journalism, strengthening professional standards and reinforcing the media’s role in democratic governance.
He also praised the veteran journalist’s mentorship of younger professionals and his commitment to editorial integrity, public accountability and the dissemination of credible information.
“Your life and career remind us that journalism’s enduring value lies not merely in reporting events but in shaping ideas, nurturing informed citizens, and preserving the truth for future generations,” the President said.
He wished Bonuola good health, peace and fulfilment, expressing hope that his professional legacy and mentorship would continue to inspire generations of Nigerian journalists and media practitioners.
Veteran journalist and former Managing Director of The Guardian, Oyinlade “Ladbone” Bonuola, represents a remarkable four-generation family legacy of communication, storytelling and journalism, stretching from traditional royal drumming to editorial journalism, contemporary broadcast and then development journalism.
This extraordinary heritage began with his illustrious mother, Ma Olawuni Bonuola, a distinguished traditional drummer who communicated with the King of Kishi Town through her talking drum. Her son, Ladbone Bonuola, carried that legacy into modern journalism, distinguishing himself as one of Nigeria’s celebrated editors and media administrators.
The tradition continued through his daughter, Abiodun Bonuola-Ozurumba, a journalist with the Voice of Nigeria, and extended to his granddaughter, Chiamaka Ozurumba, also a practising journalist, representing the fourth generation of the family’s enduring communication heritage.
