Encomiums have continued to pour in for Mufutau Ojo, Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, as he retired from active service after a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in journalism.
Speaking at a retirement ceremony held at the NAN headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, described Ojo as an accomplished journalist who understood his assignment and made significant contributions to the profession.
Alake, represented by Mrs Lara Owoeye-Wise, said Ojo’s legacy went beyond the stories he had reported, stressing that his greatest contribution was the journalists he mentored, guided and equipped to tell future stories.
He commended Ojo for his commitment to nurturing young journalists, sharing professional knowledge and raising a new generation of media practitioners whose influence would extend beyond the newsroom.
Alake saluted Ojo’s dedication to journalism and wished him fulfilment, good health and satisfaction in retirement, noting that his influence would continue through the many journalists he inspired and mentored.
Also speaking, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, described Ojo’s career as one characterised by professionalism, intellectual depth and commitment to high standards of journalism.
Ebienfa said Ojo contributed to accurate, balanced and timely reporting, which supported informed public discourse and helped promote Nigeria’s image both at home and abroad.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciated Ojo’s contributions to national development, particularly his role in advancing diplomatic understanding through professional journalism.
Ebienfa joined Ojo’s family, colleagues and friends in celebrating his career of dedication and integrity, wishing him continued good health, fulfilment and success in his future endeavours.
Uche Annune, who spoke on behalf of the NAN newsroom, described Ojo as a leader whose influence went beyond his official responsibilities to the people he worked with throughout his career.
The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, described Ojo as a fine journalist who had contributed significantly to giving the agency a new lease of life.
Ali said Ojo’s contributions to NAN would remain a reference point for younger journalists, urging them to draw lessons from his wealth of experience, professionalism and commitment to the agency.
He wished the retiring Editor-in-Chief a rewarding and fulfilling next chapter, while acknowledging his valuable contributions to the growth and credibility of NAN.
Reflecting on his career at NAN, Ojo identified his appointment as Special Adviser and his subsequent emergence as Editor-in-Chief as some of the most memorable moments of his professional journey.
Ojo said he had no regrets working with the staff of NAN, describing his experience with them as one of the great moments of his career.
On leadership, he stressed the importance of mentorship, discipline and empathy in managing journalists from different generations and professional backgrounds.
The immediate past EIC urged senior journalists to see themselves as mentors and guides to younger colleagues rather than merely as authorities responsible for disciplining them.
He also encouraged younger journalists to take advantage of the opportunities available at NAN, saying the agency provided an environment where professionals could develop, learn and flourish.
Ojo, a veteran journalist with more than 20 years of cognate newsroom experience, was appointed Editor-in-Chief of NAN in December 2024.
Before his retirement, he led the agency’s editorial team of more than 500 editors and reporters across Abuja, the Lagos Directorate, 35 state offices and 18 district offices.
NAN
