▪︎ Late Sola Olugbemiro
The Nigerian media community has been thrown into mourning following the death of publisher, broadcaster, event organiser, Sola Solkem Olugbemiro.
For over two decades, Soĺa 'Solkem' Olugbemiro distinguished himself as a respected figure in Nigeria’s media and events industry, contributing significantly to journalism, broadcasting, media events and the professional development of younger practitioners.
His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, associates, publishers and protégés, who described him as a mentor, disciplinarian, professional and institution whose influence extended across generations.
Among those who have paid tribute to the late media icon are Dr. Champion Mike, Chief Mrs. Olowosegun Funmi, Joshua Uloko, Chief Mike Cerutti, Ambassador of Peace Dr. Cornell Udofia and Publisher Paul Ukpabio.
‘SOLA SOLKEM WAS A FATHER TO JOURNALISM’ — DR. CHAMPION MIKE
Media PRO and Consultant, Dr. Champion Mike, described Chief Olugbemiro as a father figure and trailblazer who opened doors for many practitioners, particularly women in the media.
According to him, Olugbemiro was committed to discipline, integrity, professionalism and responsible journalism.
He recalled that they were working together on preparations for the Nigeria Media Nite Out 20th Anniversary when death struck.
“Chief Solkem was a journalist’s journalist. It was never about noise with him. It was always about facts, professionalism and nation-building,” Dr. Mike said.
He added that the late media veteran generously shared his knowledge and experience while mentoring a generation of journalists and media practitioners.
“We have lost a rare gem. The vacuum is real and it will be hard to fill. But his legacy will live on in every story told with truth and in every journalist who chooses dignity over sensation,” he added.
‘HE WAS A TRAILBLAZER AND A FATHER IN THE NEWSROOM’ — FUNMI OLOWOSEGUN
The Publisher of Buzznews Magazine and President of the Celebrity Journal Publishers Association of Nigeria (CJPAN), Chief Mrs. Olowosegun Funmi, described the deceased as a trailblazer who made significant contributions to the growth of journalism.
She said Olugbemiro opened doors for many media practitioners, especially women, at a time when opportunities within the industry were limited.
“Sola Solkem was a trailblazer and a father in the newsroom. He opened doors for many of us, especially women in the media, at a time it was not easy,” she said.
She added that his strong voice, wise counsel and commitment to professional standards would remain part of his enduring legacy.
‘A JOURNALIST’S JOURNALIST’ — JOSHUA ULOKO
Media practitioner Joshua Uloko described Chief Olugbemiro as a “journalist’s journalist,” noting that he was deeply committed to facts, professionalism and nation-building.
According to Uloko, the late media icon carried the industry’s values with great responsibility and mentored many practitioners who came after him.
“The professionalism, the standard and the commitment he stood for — that was Sola. His exit leaves a big vacuum that will be hard to fill,” he said.
‘HE SET THE BAR VERY HIGH’ — CHIEF MIKE CERUTTI
Chief Mike Cerutti described Chief Sola Solkem as a principled professional who was generous with his knowledge, time and experience.
He said Olugbemiro believed strongly in developing people rather than pulling them down.
“He was patriotic, passionate, and he set the bar very high for broadcasting in Nigeria. The industry will miss his voice, his wisdom and his presence,” Cerutti said.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
‘HE WAS MORE THAN A BROADCASTER OR EVENT MAN’ — DR. CORNELL UDofia
Ambassador of Peace Dr. Cornell Udofia described the late Olugbemiro as more than a broadcaster or event professional, saying he had become an institution within Nigeria’s media space.
According to him, Olugbemiro combined generosity with a relentless commitment to excellence.
“Every time you spoke with him, you left better and wiser. He represented the best of Nigerian journalism — courage, clarity and service,” Udofia said.
He added that the late media veteran’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
‘A COLLEAGUE WHO BECAME A FAMILY FRIEND’ — PAUL UKPABIO
Publisher / Tourism Consultant, Paul Ukpabio, described his relationship with the deceased as one that grew from professional acquaintance into a close family friendship.
Ukpabio recalled that they first met while dropping their children at school, as both families had children attending the same school.
He said the relationship subsequently developed into one characterised by professional support, friendship, laughter and mutual counsel.
“He helped me with advice here and there, and I also helped him professionally. The best part was the good times we shared, and they were many, because he laughed easily,” Ukpabio recalled.
He remembered Olugbemiro’s reassuring words whenever he was worried about an issue, "Paul, ma worry ara re."
“Now, I miss him because I need to talk, laugh, drink happily and wave away life’s problems,” he said emotionally.
LEGACY OF PROFESSIONALISM
Across the tributes, one message remains consistent: Sola 'Solkem' Olugbemiro leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, mentorship, integrity, friendship and service to the Nigerian media industry.
His colleagues said his contributions to journalism, broadcasting and media events would remain a reference point for practitioners who benefited from his experience and guidance.
As the media community mourns, colleagues and friends have urged members of the industry, associates and well-wishers to continue to honour his memory by upholding the professional standards and values for which he was known.
WAKE-KEEPING
The wake-keeping for the late Chief Sola Solkem Olugbemiro is scheduled to hold on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at his residence in Oregun, Lagos.
The Cerutti and friends of the deceased have encouraged close associates, colleagues and well-wishers in Lagos and neighbouring areas to attend.
Further details concerning the funeral arrangements will be announced subsequently.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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