Journalist Dies While Covering Ministerial Screening

A Tribune Newspaper correspondent, Tijani Adeyemi, died on Wednesday, Oct. 4, while covering the ministerial screening in the Senate wing of the National Assembly.

Before commencement of the screening of the three ministerial nominees forwarded to the Senate for consideration by President Bola Tinubu, Adeyemi slumped.

He was immediately rushed to the SGF clinic but sadly died of a cardiac arrest while in one of the National Assembly’s shuttle buses.

He was immediately rushed to the SGF clinic but sadly died of a cardiac arrest while in one of the National Assembly’s shuttle buses.

He was confirmed dead at the SGF office before his body was moved to the National Assembly’s clinic.

His remains were subsequently interred at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja in accordance with Islamic laws.

Adeyemi’s death happened just before a ministerial nominee from Kaduna State, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, slumped during his screening.

While Adeyemi’s body was still at the National Assembly’s clinic awaiting evacuation for burial, doctors at the National Assembly clinic, who were still documenting vital information on Adeyemi, were summoned to the Senate Chamber to revive Balarabe Lawal.

President of the ninth Senate, Ahmad Lawan, in a statement, mourned the sudden demise of the journalist. He also condoled with the Senate Press Corps over the death of Adeyemi, who until his passing was an active member of the beat association.

Lawan said: “As a reporter, he was known for his remarkable talent and dedication. He had an unwavering passion for journalism, and his commitment to delivering accurate and compelling narratives deeply resonated with those who had the pleasure of reading his work.

“Beyond his professional achievements, Adeyemi was a genuine and compassionate individual. To the best of my knowledge, he approached his work with empathy, seeking to understand the unique perspectives of the National Assembly, which he covered for many years.

“To the family he left behind, the Editorial Board of Tribune Newspaper, and the Senate Press Corps, please, accept my deepest condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult period. May the memories of Adeyemi provide comfort and strength during this time of grief.”

Also, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, expressed shock over the death of Adeyemi. 

In a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele condoled Adeyemi’s family members, management and staff of Nigerian Tribune, Senate Press Corps and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over his sudden death.

Bamidele further prayed that God comfort all family members that the departed soul left behind.

He said: “Late Adeyemi was a committed, consummate and dedicated journalist, who stood for a saner Nigeria until his death. He passed away when we needed him most and when least expected.

“He was a thoroughbred professional, who devoted his life, energy and time to objective reportage of legislative plenaries, activities of standing communities and oversight functions of the Senate.”