Veteran Journalist Ayanda Dies At 83

A  veteran journalist, broadcaster and community leader, Elder Ezekiel Ayanda, has passed away at the age of 83.

According to his son, Mr Tope Ayanda, the community leader died on Friday, April 17, 2026, bringing to a close a life marked by dedication to journalism, public service and community development.

Born in June 1943 in Isanlu-Isin, Isin local government area of Kwara State, Ayanda began his professional journey as an aeronautical radio operator with the Federal Ministry of Transport and Aviation at the Kano International Airport in the 1970s.

Driven by a deep passion for journalism, he pursued professional training both locally and internationally, earning diplomas from institutions in the United Kingdom, including the London School of Journalism.

His foray into journalism began in Kano, where he worked as a correspondent with the Nigerian Herald Newspaper under the mentorship of the then City Editor, Chief Ajayi Memayetan, an experience that helped shape his career in the media profession.

He later joined the Kwara State Ministry of Information as an assistant information officer in 1976 before moving to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ilorin, in 1978.

During his distinguished career at NTA Ilorin, Elder Ayanda underwent further professional training at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, and the Television College, Jos, where he specialized in journalism, press law, broadcasting, research, and advanced news reporting. He retired from the NTA in 1995 after 17 years of meritorious service.

After his retirement, he founded Ayancity Ventures, a media and production outfit that provided services in video coverage, television and film production, documentary development, public relations, and audio-visual content creation. Through this platform, he mentored and trained young people in media-related skills and anchored a weekly programme titled “Business Guide” on NTA Ilorin.

Elder Ayanda was an active member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he served as council treasurer in the 1990s.

He was also affiliated with the Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) and the National Association of Veteran Journalists (NAVEJ).

The National League of Veteran Journalists ( NALVEJ) has mourned the demise of  Ayanda.

The league in a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Tunde Akanbi and publicity secretary, Alh Abdullahi Olesin, described Elder Ayanda as a role model to many journalists during his life time.

It said that Elder Ayanda would be sorely missed for his wise counsels, robust and quality contributions to discussions on the state of the league, the NUJ, the state and the nation.

The league said it takes solace in the fact that Elder Ayanda lived a life worthy of emulation by all.

In its condolence message, the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed sorrow over the passing of Ayanda, describing his death as a significant loss to the media community.

In a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Abdullateef  Ahmed, and secretary, Olayinka Alaya, the union extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and members of the Nigeria League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ) where the deceased was a member before his demise.

The statement recalled that Elder Ayanda served as the council treasurer in the 1990s, where he contributed to the growth of the union.

The council specifically sympathised with his immediate family, particularly Mr Omotayo Ayanda, a former secretary of the council, as well as friends and associates of the deceased, urging them to take solace in the impactful life he lived.