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Tag: Evelyn Osagie

  • NCC presents Moses Ekpo prize to Evelyn Osagie’s family

    NCC presents Moses Ekpo prize to Evelyn Osagie’s family

    The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has posthumously conferred the maiden Moses Ekpo Prize for Innovative Copyright Reporting on Evelyn Osagie, former Assistant Editor (Arts) with The Nation Newspaper. The award honours her outstanding commitment to Nigeria’s creative sector, her distinctive and incisive reporting style, her sustained support for the Commission’s enforcement initiatives, and her exceptional courage in exposing the dangers of piracy while deepening public understanding of copyright.

    The presentation of the prize was held on Monday, 22 December, in the premises of The Nation Newspapers and it coincided with the birthday of Mr. Moses Ekpo, MFR.

    Presenting the prize, the Director-General NCC, Dr. John Asein expressed the hope that the award, comprising a commemorative plaque and a cash prize, would inspire a new generation of journalists to pursue excellence, curiosity, and courage in telling Nigeria’s copyright story. He described Evelyn Osagie’s journalism as thoughtful, accurate, and people-centred, noting that her work consistently amplified the voices of creators and translated complex copyright issues with clarity, integrity, and empathy.

    According to him, the Prize also affirms the indispensable role of responsible journalism in shaping public understanding and informing policy outcomes within the creative economy.

    Speaking via telephone, Moses Ekpo, MFR, in whose honour the prize was instituted, thanked The Nation for its longstanding support of the Commission and its consistent promotion of copyright awareness. He noted that the award reflects the enduring partnership between the media and the copyright community in advancing respect for creativity and the rule of law. Mr. Ekpo is the immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the pioneer Director-General of the NCC.

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    In her remarks, the Director of the NCC Lagos Office, Lynda Alphaeus, commended Evelyn Osagie’s contributions to copyright education among children, particularly her support for the strengthening of Copyright Clubs in schools. She expressed appreciation to The Nation and the Osagie family for what she described as “the gift of a soul like Evelyn to the Commission,” and prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.

    Responding on behalf of the newspaper, the Editor, Adeniyi Adesina, thanked the Director-General and the NCC team for honouring their late colleague and reaffirmed The Nation’s continued support for the Commission’s mandate and programmes.

    In accepting the Prize on behalf of her family, Evelyn’s sister, Ms. Patience Osagie thanked the NCC for the noble gesture and for demonstrating its love for the creative writers and showing that her sister’s efforts were not in vain.

  • The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie wins copyright award

    The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie wins copyright award

    The Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC) has announced The Nation’s Assistant Editor, the late Evelyn Osagie, the winner of this year’s Moses Ekpo Prize for Innovative Copyright Reporting.

    NCC’s Director General, Dr. John Asein, announced the award on Wednesday at the commission’s annual dialogue in Abuja.

    He said the late Osagie, who was awarded the inaugural prize posthumously, was until her passing on August 17, not only a distinguished journalist but a rare gift to Nigerian creative and copyright community.

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    “She showed remarkable empathy that enabled her to amplify the voices of young and emerging creators who otherwise would have remained unheard.

    “Her coverage of copyright issues reflected clarity, balance and an unwavering commitment to national development. She was a steadfast ally of the commission, highlighting policy milestones, supporting our enforcement efforts and exposing the deepening threats of piracy with candour a d courage,” Asein said.

    The NCC boss explained that the annual award, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, will celebrate media practitioners who, in their reporting, contribute significantly to copyright education, public awareness, the commission’s campaign for a more wholesome copyright system and a better creative sector in Nigeria.

  • Late Evelyn Osagie bags copyright award

    Late Evelyn Osagie bags copyright award

    The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has named The Nation’s former Assistant Editor, late Evelyn Osagie, as the winner of this year’s Moses Ekpo Prize for Innovative Copyright Reporting.

    The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Director-General of the Commission, Dr. John Asein, during the NCC’s Annual Dialogue in Abuja.

    Asein said Osagie, who received the inaugural award posthumously, was until her passing on August 17 not only a distinguished journalist but “a rare gift to the Nigerian creative and copyright community.”

    “She showed remarkable empathy that enabled her to amplify the voices of young and emerging creators who otherwise would have remained unheard. 

    “Her coverage of copyright issues reflected clarity, balance and an unwavering commitment to national development. She was a steadfast ally of the Commission, highlighting policy milestones, supporting our enforcement efforts and exposing the deepening threats of piracy with candour a d courage,” Asein said.

    He noted that the annual award which was inaugurated on Wednesday will celebrate media practitioners who in their reporting, contribute significantly to copyright education, public awareness, the Commission’s campaign for a more wholesome copyright system and a better creative sector in Nigeria..

  • Family, friends, colleagues hold service of Songs for late Evelyn Osagie

    Family, friends, colleagues hold service of Songs for late Evelyn Osagie

    Preparatory to Late Evelyn Osagie’s final journey home, family, friends and colleagues Friday held a Service of Songs and Night of Tributes.

    The event, held at the Meeting Hall, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos, had juggernauts in journalism, art and advocacy circles as well as celebrities in attendance.

    The Nation newspaper family was well represented with Deputy Editor (Daily) Dr Emmanuel Oladesu, Chief Sub-Editor Sunday Omoniyi as well as Osagie’s immediate boss on the Art Desk, Ozolua Uhakheme leading the pack Executive Director International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, frontline advocate and Founder CEE-HOPE, Betty Abah,  Lekan Otufodunrin of Media Career Development Network and former Managing Editor (Online) at The Nation, journalist Anote Ajeluorou, NUJ The Nation chairman Gboyega Alaka, Ibrahim Akpekhade, Busola Odugbesan all gave moving tributes.

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    Performance poet and journalist AKeem Lasisi delivered a thought-provoking honour of a colleague of the spoken words.

    A high point of the night was, however, the poetry performance by Late Evelyn’s sister, Patience Osagie, bringing back beautiful memories of her sister and reassuring the audience that indeed Evelyn d’Poet lives on.

    Evelyn will be interred tomorrow Saturday at Atan Cemetery, Yaba.

  • The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie’s burial holds Saturday

    The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie’s burial holds Saturday

    • Osundare to lead others at Night of Tributes

    The burial of The Nation Assistant Editor (Arts), Evelyn Osagie, begins today with a Service of Songs/Night of Tributes at the Meeting Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, at 4 p.m.

    Literary critic and eminent poet, Prof Niyi Osundare, is expected to lead other Nigerians in the media and Arts community at the hybrid event.

    The late Ms. Osagie, also known as Evelyn D’Poet, died on August 17 after a brief illness. She was 49.

    Her journey home will take place tomorrow at Atan Cemetery on University Road in Yaba, Lagos, at noon.

    A graduate of English and Literature from the University of Benin (UniBen) in Edo State, Ms. Osagie’s career at The Nation and her restless foray into performance aesthetics left an enduring imprint in Nigeria’s arts space.

     Beyond journalism and performance, she was also fondly remembered for her love of photography and adire textile art, into which she had begun to make serious inroads.

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     Fondly self-styled Evelyn D’Poet, the late journalist compressed time and activism into one fistful of immersive artistic adventure that defined her 49 years of existence.

    Shortly after her passing, her colleagues across the country, under the aegis of ACWAN, set up a WhatsApp platform to coordinate activities in her memory and support the family she left behind.

     A memorial site (www.forevermissed.com/evelynosagie/about) was also created for tributes.

    Caretaker Committee Chairman of ACWAN, Tony Okuyeme of New Telegraph, explained that the platform was created to honour the late Ms. Osagie’s life and legacy.

    Okuyeme added: “It will serve as a space to share memories, offer tributes, and coordinate support for the family and memorial arrangements. Let us come together to celebrate a life well lived and extend love to those left behind.”

    In a tribute tagged: In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Member, Evelyn Osagie, ACWAN described her as “a cherished voice and inspiring figure within our community”.

    Okuyeme also said: “Her legacy is one of creativity, kindness, and an enduring love for cultural expression. Throughout her remarkable career, she touched the hearts of many, inspiring countless artists, writers, arts and culture enthusiasts, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts in various forms.”

  • Late journalist, Evelyn Osagie, for burial September 20

    Late journalist, Evelyn Osagie, for burial September 20

    The Nigerian media community will on Saturday, September 20, bid farewell to one of its brightest voices, Evelyn Eseoghene Osagie, fondly known as Evelyn D’Poet, Assistant Editor, Arts, at The Nation newspaper.

    Her family, in collaboration with the Arts & Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN) and a committee of friends, has unveiled a two-day funeral programme.

    Proceedings will begin on Friday, September 19, with a Night of Tribute and Service of Songs tagged “Celebration of Life” at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, by 4:00 p.m. 

    The hybrid event will feature a special presentation by renowned poet Prof. Niyi Osundare, who will deliver his tribute via webinar.

    The interment will follow on Saturday, September 20, at Atan Cemetery, University Road, Yaba, Lagos, starting at 12 noon.

    Osagie, aged 49, passed away on Sunday, August 17, after a brief illness, leaving a significant void in Nigeria’s arts and culture reporting landscape.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a condolence statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described her death as “sad and heartbreaking,” praising her creativity, commitment, and outstanding contributions to arts, culture, and advocacy for women.

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    The Lagos State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, also expressed shock, hailing her as a cultural advocate and poet whose passion earned recognition from Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

    Her award-winning reporting on social justice issues, including her celebrated story of 13-year-old Indian Ayuba, who cared for her mentally challenged mother, won her the 2015 Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) Beatrice Bassey Prize for Female Reporter.

    Warm, cheerful, and deeply passionate, Osagie is remembered by colleagues at The Nation as a rare blend of artistry and dedication. Her passing is mourned as a profound loss to journalism, culture, and the nation at large.

  • Adeyemo, Dare mourn The Nation’s Assistant Editor Osagie

    Adeyemo, Dare mourn The Nation’s Assistant Editor Osagie

    Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation titles, Mr. Adeleke Adeyemo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the newspaper’s Assistant Editor Evelyn Osagie.

    He described her death as a painful loss to the organisation and the media community.

    In a condolence message, Adeyemo joined the management and staff of The Nation in mourning the respected journalist, noting that her passing has left a huge void.

    “On behalf of the Board, please convey our heartfelt message to her family, the entire management and staff as we pray that the Lord may keep them in good health and long life as we all mourn her passage,” he said.

    In his heartfelt tribute, an executive consultant, respected mass communication teacher, and former columnist, Prof. Olatunji Dare, described Osagie’s life and career as one of professional accomplishments, lived with grace and quiet flair.

    “The tributes that have been paid to the memory of Evelyn Osagie constitute a fitting testimony to a life of professional accomplishment and service, lived with grace and quiet flair. They have come from near and far, colleagues in the newsroom and the arts beat with whom she was often locked in healthy competition, from the network of informed sources she had cultivated over the years, and from the admirers of her elegant prose and the warmth she breathed into every story she wrote,” Dare wrote.

    Read Also: Evelyn Osagie: The passing of a star

    Recalling one of his earliest interactions with her, he said: “In the first of many discussions I had with her about her work, she said she wished she possessed some textbooks on the art and craft of feature writing, on which she had formal training.

    “On my next visit to Nigeria, some three months later, I brought along two books for her. The day I delivered them to her in the newsroom, her exclamation of joy and delight turned every head in our direction. She studied and digested the material. And you could see, from her increasingly sophisticated output, that she was applying it to her work.”

    Dare described Osagie as an “outstanding editor and role model,” adding that The Nation has lost one of its brightest lights.

    “The constituency for arts and culture that she covered with dedication has lost an agenda-setter and advocate. The journalism profession has lost one of its finest. May her example endure, and may her soul find peace,” he concluded.

    Miss Osagie, aged 49, died on August 17 after a brief illness. She was widely regarded as a vibrant voice in arts reporting and earned respect across Nigeria’s media and cultural circles for her passion, creativity, and in-depth coverage.

  • President mourns The Nation’s Assistant Editor, Evelyn Osagie

    President mourns The Nation’s Assistant Editor, Evelyn Osagie

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Miss Evelyn Osagie, Assistant Editor at The Nation newspaper, describing her death as a painful loss to journalism and the nation’s cultural community.

    Osagie, aged 49, died last Sunday after a brief illness.

    In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined the management and staff of The Nation in mourning the respected journalist.

    President Tinubu described the late editor as “one of The Nation’s most talented, creative, and hardworking correspondents,” recalling her dedication to arts and culture reporting as well as her advocacy on women’s issues.

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    He noted that Osagie’s work left a lasting impression, not only through her journalism but also through her creative expressions.

    “A consummate poet in written and spoken forms with widespread influence and contacts in literary and cultural circles. The late Osagie distinguished herself in the various fields she traversed,” the President remarked.

    Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant strength to her family, colleagues, and friends who now bear the grief of her untimely passing.

    Evelyn Osagie, widely regarded as a vibrant voice in arts journalism, earned respect across Nigeria’s media and cultural circles for her passion and depth of reporting.

  • Evelyn Osagie: The passing of a star

    Evelyn Osagie: The passing of a star

    Sunday, August 17, 2025 didn’t bear any foreboding omen. But my world turned blue when at exactly 11:07 am, that morning, I received a call. Sam Anokam, our Lagos State House of Assembly Correspondent was on the other end.

    “Damola, how you dey?” he began. His voice was faint and shaky. I retorted, “Oga Sam, I dey fine o, how your side?” I responded.

    “You don check Nation Chatroom,” he queried. “No, wetin dey happen?” I fired back.

    The Nation Chatroom, by the way, is a Whatsapp platform for The Nation Newspapers staff members.

    “Your friend…,” he paused. “Which of my friends?” I asked with mixed feelings.

    “Evelyn…”, he paused again. At this time I became apprehensive, “Wetin happen!” I boomed. “She don go,” he replied. “Go where?” I asked.

    Finally, he said, with grief colouring his voice: “She don die!”

    “Haa, wetin do am, oh, I been wan call am o….God!,” I responded with shock, my head ten times heavy.

    Before I knew it, Anokam had hung up. He could not bear the weight of the sad exchange.

    Still like I was in dreamland, I hit the Chatroom, and behold, comments after comments were streaming in, following an announcement of her demise minutes earlier by her immediate boss and head of the Arts Desk, Mr. Ozolua Uhakheme. That was when it dawned on this writer that Evelyn Osagie had truly departed our sinful world.

    Just like the Irish songstress, Enya, in one of her songs, crooned: “Pilgrim how you journey on the road you chose to find out how the winds die and where the sun is gone…you cannot change what is over, but only where you go…” Alas! We are pilgrims on a journey, and when the hour cometh, nothing can change it. All the wealth in the world cannot buy the Grim Reaper’s sickle.

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    I feel some guilt. I had planned to call Evelyn, a senior colleague and close confidante to ask about her health, but I kept procrastinating. Weeks earlier, we had spoke at length about her noticeable absence. She informed me about how she took a medication that almost damaged her entire system. I told her to stop it. She told me she had dispatched it to the bin. Learning of her death is a bitter pill extremely difficult to swallow.

    The first time I had close contact with the woman I called “Woman Editor” in the newsroom, she addressed me as “Mr. Dare”, and I almost guffawed. She wanted me to do something for her. She was a synonym for rare humility despite her inspiring exploits in the journalistic firmament.

    Most times she writes her weekly column “Women Corner” on Tuesday, the same time I am also in the middle of my production. She would break down the entirety of the week’s installment and ask me what I made of it, or she would even ask me to critique the piece. “Who am I to tie your shoelaces, “Woman Editor?”, I would ask. But in a rare show of humility that gets me scratching my head, she would insist.

    At one time, she wrote on something that had some religious colourations, and still sought my view. I quickly reminded her of the Isioma Daniel brouhaha in THISDAY that sparked outrage back in early 2000s. She thanked me and expunged the part.

    Evelyn dreamed dreams. Her box of dreams was loaded to the hilt. She has unfinished business. A truckload of plans in the pipeline. O death, why art thou so cruel?

    It will be an understatement to say  I will miss her. In fact, her demise already leaves a huge hole in my heart. We had fertile exchanges ranging from the arts to politics, culture to technology and what have you. Most times after her production on Tuesday, she observes her off day on Wednesday; and on such days, I sit alone, not having anyone to converse with. The sitting arrangement, which had me sitting face to face with her left me with no option but to silently miss her on such days. But now, Evelyn Osagie is gone forever. The passing of such a star makes us poorer not only in The Nation newspapers, but in the art world and the nation at large. O lovely sister, “Women Corner”, the chapter is over?

    A super-talent of a personality, committed award-winning journalist, poet of the rarest breed; her warm, congenial and free spirit was a motivation. The day she met my wife, she greeted her warmly and said: “Thank you for taking care of my brother.” That was why when I broke the news to my wife on the phone, she nearly collapsed.

    According to Yoruba tradition, Sunday is “Ojo aiku” (day of survival), but the Grim Reaper decided to take Evelyn Osagie that very day. It didn’t tarry; it gave no room for a 50th birthday party. Talk of sunset before sunset.

    What a life of mystery! The Grim Reaper chose to pluck away our poet on a day a self-proclaimed military president ironically rejoiced and thanked the Almighty as he clocked 84. But God knows the best. May the rest of us have lengthy years.

    A rare mix of artistry and activism, her legacy in poetry, literature, journalism and cultural advocacy would be preserved in the pantheon of history. She has, through her strides, written her name in the folklore of activist-journalists who seek all round change.

    Your good deeds, I know, will not be interred with your bones. They will continue to speak for you, they will continue to lighten your path, they will illuminate your tombstone, they will preserve your eternal bed. Goodnight to a good friend and sister, Evelyn Osagie.

    A star is gone

    The race is half run

    The author has plucked the pawn

    Till we meet at dawn

    Evelyn Osagie

    Odigberee!

  • Tinubu mourns The Nation’s Assistant Editor Evelyn Osagie

    Tinubu mourns The Nation’s Assistant Editor Evelyn Osagie

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Miss Evelyn Osagie, Assistant Editor at The Nation newspaper, describing her death as a painful loss to journalism and the nation’s cultural community.

    Osagie, aged 49, died last Sunday after a brief illness. 

    In a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined the management and staff of The Nation in mourning the respected journalist.

    Tinubu described the late editor as “one of The Nation’s most talented, creative, and hardworking correspondents,” recalling her dedication to arts and culture reporting as well as her advocacy on women’s issues.

    He noted that Osagie’s work left a lasting impression, not only through her journalism but also through her creative expressions. 

    “A consummate poet in written and spoken forms with widespread influence and contacts in literary and cultural circles, the late Osagie distinguished herself in the various fields she traversed,” the President remarked.

    Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant strength to her family, colleagues, and friends who now bear the grief of her untimely passing.

    Evelyn Osagie, widely regarded as a vibrant voice in arts journalism, earned respect across Nigeria’s media and cultural circles for her passion and depth of reporting.