Flurries of tributes by renowned media personalities including the Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON) Mallam Baba Jibrin Ndace and other media stakeholders rendered their condolences to the family of the late Correspondent, Mr. David Gbemisola Adekunle, who passed on to eternal glory on Sunday, 4th January, 2026.
The DG, who was represented 77by Head of Digital Media, Dr Qasim Akinreti at the Service of Songs held at his residence in Lagos and burial ground in Abeokuta South-West Nigeria, Mallam Ndace paid glowing tribute to the value of hard work , professionalism and spirit of kindness demonstrated by late David Adekunle during his life time.
According to the DG VON, the late Adekunle was one of the reliable Correspondents in the Lagos Bureau.
“His dedication, high sense of responsibility and passion to International Journalism was highly commendable. Adekunle as fondly called contributed immensely to Media Unionism during his life time,” the DG noted.
The Late David Adekunle was the Transport and Maritime Correspondent for Voice of Nigeria. His p and bye line was uploaded on the day he died. He also served as one of the liaison officer to the former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, Dr Qasim Akinreti, between 2017 and 2020.
Accordingly, colleagues, union leaders, friends, and family members celebrated the life and legacies of the seasoned journalist.
Dr. Akinreti, who is also the Deputy Director of the Digital Media Department of VON, said the late David Adekunle was a rare gem who positively impacted many lives.
“David stood by me through thick and thin. He was with me when I lost my second wife and throughout my tenure as NUJ Chairman.
He was a goal-getter, a philanthropist, and a passionate journalist who carried out every task assigned to him with total dedication. His legacy will live on, and he will be greatly missed,” Akinreri said.
In his condolence message, Former Director News, VON, Austeen Elewodalu, described Adekunle as ‘a master of the craft and soul of light.
According to him, “It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of loss that I write these words for David Adekunle.
“We first crossed paths in 2013, when David joined the Voice of Nigeria. I was serving as the Director of News at the time, and from the moment he assumed duty as a Reporter, it was clear that we hadn’t just hired another staff member—we had gained a powerhouse.
“David was a rare find in the world of journalism. Recognizing his innate talent, I assigned him to the Reportorial Desk, where he took on various beats with a level of professionalism that far exceeded his years.
“He was the editor’s dream. David possessed that elusive “golden touch”—he would turn in reports for our broadcast and digital platforms with amazing speed, yet they required little or no editing. He understood the urgency of the 24-hour news cycle but never sacrificed the integrity or the “soul” of a story for the sake of a deadline,” Former News Director said.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, described the late Adekunle as a bold, hardworking, committed team player and a dedicated journalist whose absence would be deeply felt
According to him, “David served with passion and diligence while he lived, urging journalists to emulate his strong work ethic and commitment to duty; qualities he said clearly defined the late VON journalist”.
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Jumoke Johnson, described Adekunle’s death as shocking and unexpected
“The loss of David Adekunle came as a rude shock, especially as we saw him recently in high spirits. We know God gives and takes, and that we all belong to Him. Our prayers are with the family he left behind, that God will strengthen them to uphold his legacies and thrive even after his departure,” Mrs. Johnson said.
The Chairman of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), Mr. Sulaiman Idris on the other hand, noted that the late journalist carried himself with maturity, often offering advice to colleagues and maintaining a calm disposition.
“He hardly got angry and always delivered on his assignments. As our treasurer, he was transparent, sincere, and committed. David was very hardworking, and I urge journalists to emulate these virtues,” he added.
In his sermon, Pastor Amos Olaleye of Jesus Friends Ministry Christian Church urged attendees to see Adekunle’s death as a reminder of the need to prepare for eternity.
“David lived a life of impact and touched many lives. That was his assignment on earth. I pray that we will all receive the grace to live fulfilled lives, just as David did,” the pastor said.
David is survived with his wife and two children. He is was buried in his hometown, Ogun State today, Tuesday, 12th January, 2026.
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