Tributes, Tears as Media Community Mourns Late VON Journalist, David Adekunle
Cynthia Okere, Lagos
It was an atmosphere filled with tears and deep emotions as the media community gathered to pay glowing tributes to the late Voice of Nigeria (VON) journalist, Mr. David Gbemisola Adekunle, who passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The tributes were paid during a Service of Songs held in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, where colleagues, union leaders, friends, and family members celebrated the life and legacy of the seasoned journalist.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, described the late Adekunle as a bold, hardworking, committed team player and a dedicated journalist whose absence would be deeply felt.
According to him, David served with passion and diligence while he lived, urging journalists to emulate his strong work ethic and commitment to duty—qualities he said clearly defined the late VON journalist.
Former NUJ Chairman in Lagos State, Mr. Kazim Akinretti, described Adekunle as a rare gem who positively impacted many lives.
“David stood by me through thick and thin. He was with me when I lost my wife and throughout my tenure as NUJ Chairman. He was a goal-getter, a philanthropist, and a passionate journalist who carried out every task assigned to him with total dedication. His legacy will live on, and he will be greatly missed,” Akinretti said.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson, alongside the Chairman of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), Mr. Sulaiman Idris, described Adekunle’s death as shocking and unexpected.
“The loss of David Adekunle came as a rude shock, especially as we saw him recently in high spirits. We know God gives and takes, and that we all belong to Him. Our prayers are with the family he left behind, that God will strengthen them to uphold his legacies and thrive even after his departure,” Mrs. Johnson said.
Mr. Idris noted that the late journalist carried himself with maturity, often offering advice to colleagues and maintaining a calm disposition.
“He hardly got angry and always delivered on his assignments. As our treasurer, he was transparent, sincere, and committed. David was very hardworking, and I urge journalists to emulate these virtues,” he added.
In his sermon, Pastor Amos Olaleye of Jesus Friends Ministry Christian Church urged attendees to see Adekunle’s death as a reminder of the need to prepare for eternity.
“David lived a life of impact and touched many lives. That was his assignment on earth. I pray that we will all receive the grace to live fulfilled lives, just as David did,” the pastor said.
Emotional moments followed as David’s wife and children shared heartfelt memories, pledging to uphold his values and keep his legacy alive.
Until his death, Mr. David Gbemisola Adekunle was a staff member of Voice of Nigeria. He passed on in his early 50s and is survived by his wife and two children, Best and Beauty.
