Personality in Focus
The Boss Editor, Eric Elezuo, Wins Journalist of the Year Award
By Morakinyo Ajibade
It was an evening of multiple applause from veterans and achievers across the Nigerian media industry as Eric Elezuo, a seasoned journalist, whose impacts and jaw-dropping contributions were recognized by the Momentous Prestigious Annual Magazine and Personality Award, MOPA, won the Journalist of the Year award for 2023. Undeniably, it was a well-deserving award for the UNILAG alumnus.
With almost two decades of unwavering tenacity and consistency in the media profession, his long years track record of professionalism has once again been recognized in Lagos. Eric, as he is fondly called, in November 2023 stepped into the shoes of the Editor of Nigeria’s foremost celebrity magazine, Ovation International Magazine, owned by Chief Dele Momodu, after the former editor, Mr. Michael Effiong, who had meritoriously served the organization, was appointed by the Akwa Ibom State Government as Senior Special Assistant (SSA).
Prior to this, he served, and still serving as the Editor of the newspaper arm of Ovation Media Group, and has countless times been praised by management as a vibrant and dedicated editor whose leadership has kept the newspapers afloat for unimaginable numbers of years.
In one of the moments of celebration, the Publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, had acknowledged him as a masterpiece writer.
Cascading to becoming a masterpiece writer, Eric after graduating from the Department of English from the prestigious University of Lagos found his way into the media profession as a reporter. He has since risen to the position of Editor, and even as a former Editorial Executive at Blue magazine.
Eric is no doubt an invaluable asset to any organization beyond the media space as his wealth of resume portrays. He proved this as a tutor of English Language at Hopebay College, Evangel College, Mason College, and many more.
He is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, LBS, and has, over the years attended a myriad of seminars and workshops that attested to his drive for self-development even in the face of obvious achievements and successful career.
Many might easily identify with him as an unbeatable journalist, but little did anyone know that he has built his biceps in International Diplomacy.
After his first degree in English, he proceeded to acquire his second degree at the same University of Lagos. Here, he acquired his Master’s in International Diplomacy (MILD).
He is fondly called “a one-man riot squad” by his colleagues. This came after he single-handedly produced The Boss Newspaper weekly of Ovation Media Group. Under his editorial leadership of the newspaper, the paper has indeed become a The Boss.
He has attended several courses in Leadership and Citizenship Training, at Shere Hills, Jos and Sea School Lagos. He is an alumus of Shaddaiville Leadership Academy. The former Sub-Editor with Newswatch Newspapers has in the decades of his career tranverse both in private establishments and several media houses.
He was the Marketing Manager for Belgush Nigeria Limited, where through his leadership the brand sales equivocally skyrocketed to a huge percentage.
Over the years, he became the General Manager of Clayfield and Harrow – a facilities management company that combines a wide range of skills and competencies, appropriate technology, and a customer focus strategy to help meet the facilities objectives you have set for your organization, residential community and/or household.
Also, he once served as the Manager of DHB Construction Limited, Senior Correspondent of National Mirror, Senior Correspondent of Ovation International Magazine, and in several capacities.
Eric, who is presently the National Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), and married with four amazing children, is indeed a resource of high quality in the media industry and business world.
Undoubtedly, the Momentous Prestigious Annual Magazine and Personality Award to Eric Elezuo as the Journalist of the Year 2023 is a timely award given to a well-deserving journalist for his unbending focus, high-level skill, integrity, and professionalism displayed in the calendar year.
The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.
According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.
The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.
“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
