Billionaire businessman and publisher of Newswatch and National Mirror newspapers, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, has announced a full scholarship for the three children of the late Deputy Editor of Saturday Newswatch, Toyin Obadina, who was shot by unknown gunmen in the early hours of Saturday, February 1, 2014, in Ikorodu.
The scholarship, which covers up to the University level, according to a statement by Moses Jolaiyemi, Managing Director, Newswatch Newspapers, is a mark of appreciation for the late Obadina’s total commitment, loyalty and
dedication to duty.
Obadina was shot by unknown gunmen in the wee hours of Saturday, February 1, 2014, close to his house in Ikorodu, Lagos State, leaving behind an aged mother, wife and children of twelve, nine and five years old.
With Ibrahim’s gesture, the education of the children, who are currently in primary and junior secondary schools, will henceforth be taken over by the business mogul, who is also the Group Managing Director of Energy Group.
In addition, Obadina’s widow, Abiola, would also be set up as an entrepreneur, which is a “demonstration of the operational ground norm of our organisation, that every staff should be self-sustaining and a manager of resources,” Jolayemi said.
Also, the organisation is to bear the cost of Obadina’s burial due Saturday, February 15, 2014 in his home, 2
Macjobi Crescent, Adamo, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Ibrahim noted that the late Obadina was “an accomplished journalist, who distinguished himself as a competent staff” from inception of the newspaper in the last one year, adding that “beyond the undoubted competence, he demonstrated uncommon and unpretentious loyalty to the organisation”
Ibrahim said he felt obliged to ensure that the family of Obadina is not left in the cold while thanking all well-meaning Nigerians for their concern and condolences since the tragic incident occurred.
Obadina was shot twice in the stomach by suspected armed robbers, at the Ikorodu area of Lagos on his way home after the day’s work. He was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where doctors battled to save his life.
Eyewitnesses had said that the deceased, driving a Toyota Yaris car, was intercepted by the suspected armed robbers on the Itoikin-Old Ijebu-Ode Road, while going to his residence in Parafa area of Ikorodu.
Though he was said to have cooperated with the demands of the gang who were in two Sport Utility Vehicles, they shot him point blank before abandoning him in a pool of his blood.