The Nigerian media industry is mourning the death of a pioneer and iconic journalist, Peter Enahoro, who passed away in the United Kingdom at the age of 88 after a long battle with an undisclosed ailment. The demise of Enahoro, who was also a renowned author, was announced by Nigeria’s foremost female journalist, Bunmi Sofola, on Monday, April 24, 2023.
Enahoro was widely acclaimed as “perhaps Africa’s best-known international journalist,” and his passing has left a huge void in the Nigerian media industry. Sofola’s announcement, which came in a terse statement, reads, “Regret to announce the passing on of our iconic journalist Peter Enahoro, “Peter Pan” today in London at the age of 88. RIP.”
Peter Enahoro’s journalistic career spanned several decades, and he achieved many milestones in the industry. He was a pioneer in Nigerian journalism, having become the editor of the Daily Times at a young age. The deceased 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.
Enahoro’s work as a journalist took him to different parts of the world, and he made a name for himself as a Contributing Editor of Radio Deutsche Welle in Cologne, Germany, from 1966 to 1976. He also served as Africa Editor of National Zeitung in Basel, Switzerland, before becoming the Editorial Director of New African magazine in London in 1978.
The late journalist was also an accomplished author, and his works received critical acclaim both within and outside Nigeria. Some of his most famous books include “How to be a Nigerian,” “The Making of the Whiteman,” and “A Plague of Murder.” His literary contributions to the Nigerian literary space will forever be remembered.
The passing of Peter Enahoro has left a huge void in the Nigerian media industry and the literary world at large. He will be remembered as a pioneer, an icon, and one of the most accomplished journalists and authors of his time. May his soul rest in perfect peace.