Renowned Journalist, Peter Enahoro, Dies At 88

Renowned Nigerian journalist, author, businessman and publisher, Peter Enahoro, has passed on at the age of 88.

Enahoro, fondly known by his pen name, Peter Pan, died in London, the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday.

His death was contained in a statement issued by Nigeria’s renowned female journalist, Ms Bunmi Sofola.

She said, “Regret to announce the passing on of our iconic journalist Peter Enahoro “Peter Pan” today in London at the age of 88. RIP.

“Also known by the pen name of “Peter Pan” because of his popular column in New African magazine under that name. He has been described as ‘perhaps Africa’s best-known international journalist’”.

The deceased was famous for writing the book: “How to be a Nigerian.”

He was a columnist and one of the pioneers of Nigerian journalism who became the editor of the Daily Times at a young age.

Enahoro attended the prestigious Government College, Ughelli (in present day Delta State) and was a contemporary of the famous poet and Africa’s first professor of English, JP Clark.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of Peter Enahoro over his death.

Buhari in a statement issued by his media aide, Femi Adesina, believes that as a gifted and iconic journalist, author and publisher, Enahoro earned the public trust by his fearless writings, tenacity and commitment to the pursuit of truth.

The president recognised that the passion of the former editor-in-chief/managing director of the Daily Times, assistant publicity officer, Department (now Federal Ministry) of Information and pioneer chairman, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for public service was second to none, and he used his knowledge and mastery to mentor people, who have also added value to journalism practice in the country.

Buhari urged those who mourn the demise of the compatriot to reflect on his contributions to the country and build on the many honours credited to him for journalistic excellence.

Also yesterday, president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the death of Peter Enahoro, a doyen of Nigerian journalism, marked the end of a very accomplished and extraordinary life of devotion to media excellence and national development.

Tinubu recalled the virtuous role the late Enahoro played in Nigeria’s march to nationhood through the instrumentality of the media as a journalist of note of his era.

In a statement released by his media office and signed by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu described Enahoro, as a patriot who devoted his entire working life and journalism career to the quest for a better Nigeria where every citizen can find joy and fulfilment.

Peter ‘Pan’ Enahoro was the younger brother of the late nationalist and elder statesman, Chief Anthony Enahoro.

Thee statement read, “The news of the death of Mr. Peter Enahoro at 88 brought sadness because our society is always better and enriched by the wisdom of our venerable senior citizens like veteran journalists in the class of Peter Pan who shaped and changed the course of history with the power of their pen.

“An author, businessman and publisher, Mr. Enahoro will be remembered and forever cherished for his unwavering belief in the greatness of Nigeria and for using the instrumentality of media practice to promote good governance, rule of law and social justice in our country.

“His seminal book, ‘How To Be A Nigerian,’ published in 1966 will be a reference material on good citizenship. Mr. Enahoro accomplished so much within the media profession and nation-building, becoming editor of the highly influential Sunday Times at the age of 23 in 1958, and editor of the Daily paper in 1962 before assuming the position of editor-in-chief in 1966.

“He returned home from his sojourn abroad in the 90s to also man the position of managing Director/editor-in-chief of the same Daily Times.

“I extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the immediate family, associates and lovers of this famous and committed Nigerian nationalist, even as I urge us all to follow his examples.

“Peter Pan did extraordinarily well for the journalism profession and for Nigeria. I wish him eternal rest.”