Tinubu Celebrates Veteran Journalist Lade Bonuola on His 80th Birthday

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated veteran Nigerian journalist Lade Bonuola, who turned 80 last week.

In a statement he signed himself, the president said Mr Bonuola "reminds us of your enduring contributions to journalism, your professional excellence, and your commitment to developing Nigeria’s media industry."

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Bonuola was honoured last week by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID). They launched "Lade Bonuola: A Life in Print," a collection of essays about the veteran journalist’s career and his impact on Nigerian journalism.

In his tribute, President Tinubu praised Mr Bonuola’s work in journalism. "At 80, you stand tall as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in journalism, a man whose professional excellence, editorial courage, integrity, and commitment to the truth have left an enduring imprint on the nation’s media landscape," the president wrote.

I send my warmest congratulations to Mr Oyinlade "Ladbone" Bonuola, veteran journalist, respected editor, and former Managing Director of The Guardian Newspaper, on his 80th birthday.

This milestone birthday reminds us of your lasting contributions to journalism, your professional excellence, and your commitment to developing Nigeria’s media industry.

Known by media peers and mentees as a master of the craft, Bonuola started his career at the Daily Times in February 1971 as a trainee sub-editor. He rose through the ranks and joined The Guardian in 1982 as the first editor, later becoming Managing Director until 1999. He also co-founded the now-defunct Comet newspaper, serving as its Managing Director, and was Managing Director of Nigerian Compass.

At 80, you stand tall as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in journalism. Your professional excellence, editorial courage, integrity, and commitment to the truth have left a lasting mark on the nation’s media landscape.

As one of the 20th century’s outstanding editors, your contributions to Nigerian journalism will never be forgotten. Through decades of hard work, you shaped the language of media reporting, upheld responsible journalism, and strengthened the media’s role as a key part of democracy and a keeper of the truth. Your commitment to accuracy, fairness, integrity, and public accountability is still essential for the media’s duty to inform citizens, hold public institutions accountable, and support democracy.

At the Daily Times, your weekly column, Caught Out, was required reading for journalists, students, and the public.

As former Managing Director of The Guardian and co-founder of The Comet, which later became The Nation newspaper, you showed exceptional leadership, deep thinking, and a keen understanding of the press’s power to create a just and informed society.

Your career shows a strong belief that journalism should serve the public interest, hold leaders accountable, and provide citizens with the information they need for informed choices. Your influence goes beyond the newsrooms you led.

As we celebrate this important milestone with you, I recognise your legacy of professionalism, mentorship, and service to our country. We celebrate your valuable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Your life and career remind us that journalism’s lasting value lies not just in reporting news but in shaping ideas, nurturing informed citizens, and preserving the truth for future generations.

On behalf of my family, the Government, and the people of Nigeria, I wish you a happy 80th birthday and many more years of good health, peace, fulfilment, and continued service to our nation.

May your remarkable legacy continue to inspire future generations of journalists and media professionals.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 25, 2026