By Ghazali Ibrahim
Reports circulating on social media about the alleged death of veteran journalist and former PM News editor, David Odey, have been debunked by close associates among which is Olusola Fabiyi, Weekend Titles Editor at The PUNCH.
Fabiyi dismissed the reports, stating that Odey is alive and urging friends and colleagues to support him rather than spread unverified information about his death.
Reacting to the rumour, the senior journalist expressed concern over the tendency of people to celebrate or mourn individuals only after their passing, while failing to offer support when they are alive.
“Now that he is alive, it is time for his friends to rally around him instead of waiting to send condolence messages to his wife,” Fabiyi said.
The clarification comes amid widespread circulation of messages and tributes suggesting that the former PM News editor had died.
Some of the messages had already prompted emotional reactions from journalists and media professionals who believed the reports to be true.
Fabiyi’s statement, however, has helped dispel the speculation, confirming that Odey is alive.
The incident has also reignited conversations about the dangers of spreading unverified information, particularly concerning the health and wellbeing of public figures and media professionals.
David Odey is widely respected within Nigeria’s media industry for his years of service as an editor and mentor to younger journalists.
Colleagues have often described him as a meticulous professional with a passion for newsroom excellence and talent development.
Fabiyi’s intervention has since reassured members of the journalism community who had been alarmed by the reports, while also serving as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
