Late goalkeeper’s family says ECHONEWS is voice of the voiceless
Elder Wale Akinlusi, head of the family of Taiwo Akinlusi, the goalkeeper who was electrocuted to death, has praised ECHONEWS Newspapers as the champion of the oppressed.
Speaking on a thank you visit to the premises of ECHONEWS Newspapers Limited in Ejigbo, Akinlusi, who ran for the chairmanship of the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area in the 2017 polls on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said the family was surprised by the consistent support of the newspaper in seeking justice for their departed son.
Apologising that the wife of the deceased could not join the delegation in deference to the cultural obligation that expects widows to avoid public engagement, Akinlusi, who came with his wife, said the family unanimously mandated him to convey appreciation for the support that the newspaper gave.
“Our intention was to go it alone, but the Community Development Association came to our support and rallied round us. They didn’t take a dime from us. Nothing excites us as the manner in which ECHONEWS took the matter. You gave us your all. You showed so much interest in the matter. God will empower ECHONEWS. You will get helpers to take your dream forward.
“The news was all over the world. People called me from all over the world that they saw it in ECHONEWS. Lawyers volunteered to take up the case. These happened because of the reporting that ECHONEWS did. We really thank you,” Akinlusi said.
Also speaking at the event, the secretary of the Unity CDA, Boniface Mega, praised ECHONEWS for supporting the community development association by making it a matter of urgent importance.
He conveyed the appreciation of the community for the role played by the newspaper and prayed for its growth.
Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of ECHONEWS Newspapers Limited, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan appreciated the visit, adding that the company was happy that the family and the community saw value in the role it played.
“We acted in line with the social responsibility obligation of the press, our duty to make private and public organisations accountable for their actions and to support the underdog. Death is the final destination of everybody but nobody wishes to die by electrocution. This means those responsible for electricity must ensure that it does not constitute danger to the general public,” he said, noting that no amount is enough to replace the life that was lost.
He, however, commended the IKEDC for demonstrating initiative and responsibility in managing the unfortunate incident.
He also praised the secretary of the Community Development Committee, Ejigbo LCDA, Barrister Bimbo Olawale, for her leadership role in securing justice for the victim.
