The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), in collaboration with National Broadcast Academy, held a virtual memorial on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, to honour Barrister Abiodun Olowu, a resource person and former judge of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR), with colleagues, former students and family members remembering his contributions to journalism education, broadcasting and the lives he touched through mentorship and generosity.
From providing shelter and opening doors for aspiring journalists to shaping journalism education and strengthening broadcasting, Barrister Olowu’s legacy was reflected in the lives of those who gathered to honour him. Their tributes painted a picture of a man whose professional contributions were matched by a deep commitment to helping others learn, grow and find opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of Dr Samuel Ayanwu of the National Broadcast Academy, Margaret Eke, a senior lecturer in the Academy’s Journalism Department, reflected on Olowu’s contribution to strengthening broadcasting in Nigeria. She noted that since his death, some of the most touching tributes have come from former students whose lives Olowu had influenced beyond the classroom. She described his legacy as that of an educator, leader, colleague and mentor whose impact endured through the values he instilled in others.
Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of WSCIJ, recalled meeting Olowu in 2009 at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Training School in Ikeja, where she encountered him as both a student and a practitioner. She remembered his writing, eloquence and ability to teach others through his example.
Alaka also highlighted his contribution to the WSAIR judging board, where he brought commitment and professionalism to the work, making himself available even at short notice. Olowu’s frequent reminder that the world had moved on, Alaka reflected, underscored Olowu’s openness to change and the importance he placed on continuous learning. Beyond journalism, his decision to study law demonstrated his determination to keep improving himself.
– Alaka further emphasised the importance of recognising people whose lives and work had made a difference, noting that the memorial provided WSCIJ with an opportunity to acknowledge Olowu’s contributions to the Centre and the wider journalism community.
The tributes that followed illustrated how this commitment to others extended beyond the classroom and professional institutions.
Henry Uche, a correspondent with The Sun Newspaper, recalled meeting Olowu in 2017 during a journalism training course in Ikeja. He described lawyer and journalism teacher as a father figure who took him in when he was homeless and jobless, gave him hope and strengthened his faith. Olowu also provided him with an internship letter, which he submitted to media organisations, including The Guardian, helping him pursue opportunities in journalism.
Ayodele Aliyu, Director Academic Planning at National Broadcast Academy, who worked with Olowu for 19 years across the FRCN Training School and the National Broadcasting Academy, recalled his passion for education and his efforts to reform and revive the department’s curriculum. He described Olowu as meticulous, trustworthy, and resourceful, with an ability to resolve challenges and improve the work of those around him. Even after retiring in December 2022, Olowu remained in close contact with the school.
Augustina Armstrong, a freelance journalist who met Olowu at a training school in 2009, remembered his selflessness and willingness to help. He edited her stories when she was still learning to write for broadcast and gave her hope during difficult moments. She urged those whose lives he had touched to keep his memory alive, noting that he had planted seeds in them in different ways.
Barnabas Hunjo, a journalist and lawyer who met Olowu in November 2004, recalled how he accommodated him and encouraged him to study. Seeing Olowu and Ayodele Aliyu, Director of Academic Planning at the National Broadcast Academy, pursue further learning, was the inspiration Hunjo needed to strive for more.
Olowu’s commitment to learning also left a lasting impression on those who trained alongside him. Broadcast Journalist, Adenitan Charles, who met Olowu during journalism training in 2009 as a Radio Nigeria staff member, remembered him as a brilliant, humble and approachable colleague who treated everyone as an equal. Charles recalled that Olowu insisted he study law, an encouragement that stayed with him. Reflecting on his life, he said: “He came, he saw and he conquered.”
Korede Ogunbunmi, a journalist and General Manager of Radio One 103.5 FM, Lagos, reflected on a friendship that extended beyond work. Known by his DJ name, “Ab Speaking”, Olowu introduced him to opportunities that helped shape his journey and contributed to where he is today. Their friendship endured until Olowu’s death, with both men continuing to share thoughts and prayers, even during difficult times.
Other colleagues spoke of his quiet disposition, warmth, and resourcefulness. Simon Echewofun Sunday of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission described Olowu as a mentor who was very responsive whenever he was called upon, while another journalist, Omolola Afolabi, remembered his cheerfulness, selflessness and ability to fill an auditorium with warmth. Dr Adeboye Ola, Deputy Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, reflected on working with Olowu during the award-entry process and urged people to do their part well while alive, with the fear of God.
The tributes also brought the loss into sharper focus for his family. Olowu’s daughter, speaking on behalf of her mother, Mrs Juliana Olowu, expressed the family’s gratitude to WSCIJ for organising the memorial, noting that many people had not known of her father’s death. She emphasised that his influence extended beyond journalism and broadcasting, recalling that he was also a disc jockey. She acknowledged that the family was still coming to terms with the passing of their patriarch.
The testimonies revealed a legacy built not only through professional achievements but also through acts of kindness, mentorship and a commitment to helping others grow. Across the institutions where he taught, the colleagues with whom he worked and the individuals he supported, Olowu left an enduring impression.
As WSCIJ and FRCN joined those who knew him to celebrate his life, the tributes affirmed that Barrister Abiodun Olowu’s influence would continue through the people he taught, the opportunities he helped create and the values he passed on.
