By NAN

The Nigerian Press Council has condoled with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the death of the pioneer National Secretary of the Union, Pa Jola Ogunlusi.

This is contained  in a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the Council,  Dr Dili Ezughah, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

Ezughah described Ogunlusi as an Icon of the nation’s media activism, and the only known officer in history that served the NUJ without financial benefits.

He said Ogunlusi played a key role in morphing of the Union into a trade union, leading to his appointment as  the first Executive National Secretary of the body .

“Pa Ogunlusi’s active involvement and leading role in trade unionism, which dated back to 1963, also spilled over to the mother union, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“He belonged to the almost atrophied class of brave journalists who were more wary of ethical misconduct than any despotic authority.

“Needless to say, Pa Ogulusi left his huge footprint in the sands of the nation’s media ecosystemn.

“The Council’s heart goes out to the NUJ and other associations and stakeholders in the country’s media industry at this moment of grief.

“The Council also urges the gentlemen and women of the pen profession to imbibe the culture of ethical journalism for which Pa Ogunlusi was known for in his days on the field,” Ezughah said.

The NPC boss also commensurated with the Ogunlusi’s family, urging them to take solace in the fact that he led a good life while contributing immensely to nation building. (NAN)