The remains of renowned journalist, author and national icon, Mr Peter Enahoro, will be buried in London today (Wednesday).
Enahoro, popularly known by his pen name, Peter Pan, died in London, the United Kingdom, on April 24 at 88.
His death was announced in a statement by Ms Bunmi Sofola, also an iconic journalist and family friend.
Enahoro became editor of Nigeria’s oldest newspaper, The Daily Times, at the age of 23 and proceeded to carve a niche for himself as a satirist, standing on the side of the people.
Widespread eulogies trailed his demise.
The Publisher of Daily Times of Nigeria, Mr Fidelis Anosike, said today’s interment would not end the life and times of Enahoro, but elevate his legend globally.
DTN, he said, had embarked on activities to honour the late icon.
The DTN, which Enahoro led, will be 100 in three years’ time.
Anosike said, “Daily Times of Nigeria is proud of the landmarks of the legend, Peter Enahoro. Indeed, one can rightly say his engagements were a labour of love for the development of Nigeria and the vibrant press in the country today owes much of its credit to Enahoro’s bold and courageous skill with the pen to hold those in power accountable to the people.”
Double-spread adverts eulogising the great man are being run in some national dailies.
President Bola Tinubu, the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, were among prominent Nigerians who eulogised Enahoro, describing him as a nationalist, astute journalist, trainer of young journalists and a nice man.
Famous African journalist, Ben Asante, who worked under Enahoro in the latter’s London-based magazine, New African, in the 1980s, said he remembered Enahoro for many good things.
Asante further painted him in glowing colours, saying Enahoro’s name opened doors at the top echelon of government and business in Nigeria.
He said, “There was much more to working under the doyen of journalism then. Peter opened doors. With the mere mention of Peter’s name, even at the time of military government, I gained entry to leading political and business circles.”
Enahoro attended the prestigious Government College, Ughelli (in present-day Delta State), and was a contemporary of the famous poet and Africa’s first professor of English, JP Clark. He was appointed the Editor of the highly influential Sunday Times at the age of 23 in 1958, and Editor of the Daily Paper in 1962 before assuming the position of Editor-in-Chief in 1966.
Upon his return from a sojourn in the 90s, the author of the widely acclaimed book, ‘How To Be A Nigerian,’ published in 1966, was appointed the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria. (Punch)
