It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of loss that I write these words for David Adekunle.
We first crossed paths in 2013, when David joined the Voice of Nigeria. I was serving as the Director of News at the time, and from the moment he assumed duty as a Reporter, it was clear that we hadn’t just hired another staff member—we had gained a powerhouse.
A Natural in the Newsroom
David was a rare find in the world of journalism. Recognizing his innate talent, I assigned him to the Reportorial Desk, where he took on various beats with a level of professionalism that far exceeded his years.
He was the editor’s dream. David possessed that elusive “golden touch”—he would turn in reports for our broadcast and digital platforms with amazing speed, yet they required little to no editing. He understood the urgency of the 24-hour news cycle but never sacrificed the integrity or the “soul” of a story for the sake of a deadline.
Beyond the byline
To know David was to know a man of many parts. He wasn’t just a journalist; he was a force of nature.
* The Colleague: You simply could not have a dull moment with him. He brought an infectious energy into the newsroom that lifted everyone’s spirits.
* The Connector: David was a master at the art of friendship. He didn’t just meet people; he courted and kept them, building a vast network of loyal friends through his genuine warmth.
* The Advocate: His commitment to the craft extended to his active role in the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and his passion as a political activist, always striving for a better society.
* The Family Man: Above all, David was a remarkable family man who spoke of his loved ones with deep devotion.
An Untimely Departure
Since my retirement from VON about two years ago, David and I spoke on the phone quite often, the last being two weeks to his demise. He sent me a new year’s message and prayer on first January this year, just three days to his death. I didn’t know that was his own way of saying goodbye.
David died in his prime—at a peak where his potential was still unfolding and his contributions were most vital. He has left us at a time when his young family, his friends, and his colleagues needed his wisdom, his laughter, and his brilliance the most.
While his time with us was far too short, the legacy David leaves behind at the Voice of Nigeria and within the Nigerian media landscape (particularly in Lagos State) is indelible. He was a protégé who became a peer, and a colleague who became a brother.
Rest in peace, David. May the Lord comfort your family. Your voice may be silent, but your stories will live on.
Austeen Elewodalu, Former Director News Voice of Nigeria
