The Nigerian media community is mourning the loss of Mrs. Shola Oluremi Adekola, a respected journalist and aviation expert, who passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. She was 61.
Mrs. Adekola, widely known as “Madam Sholly,” was a dedicated journalist and the Assistant Business and Aviation Editor for the Nigerian Tribune, the nation’s oldest newspaper. Her passing follows a brief illness.
Born into an academic family within the University of Ibadan community, she was the daughter of the late Professor Morakinyo Omole and Mrs. Funmilayo Omole. She graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies.
A lifelong learner, Mrs. Adekola also pursued specialized training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria. Over the years, from 1993 to 2023, she completed numerous professional courses focused on aviation reporting and management for public relations professionals.
Beyond her formal education, Mrs. Adekola gained extensive international experience, attending conferences and events across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa, focusing on aviation and tourism.
Her insightful column, “CRUCIAL MOMENT,” a staple of the Nigerian Tribune’s business page every Thursday, showcased her deep understanding of the industry.
Mrs. Adekola’s career began with the Kano State Government-owned newspaper, The Triumph, where she was first assigned to the aviation beat. She joined the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in 1993 and remained an active and influential member throughout her career.
Her professional journey included roles at Hallmark, Daily Times, and Reuters, before she joined the Nigerian Tribune. At the Tribune, she progressed through various positions, including Proofreader, Sub-Editor, and Correspondent, culminating in her role as Assistant Editor/Aviation Editor.
Within LAAC, she served diligently in several leadership positions, including Assistant Secretary, Secretary, and Vice Chairman, leaving a lasting impact on the organization.
Mrs. Adekola’s contributions to journalism and the aviation sector will be deeply missed.
