The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhasan Yahya Abdullahi; the 2006 CNN African Journalist of the Year and former Managing Director of Sun Publishing, Shola Oshunkeye; and the 1999 CNN African Journalist of the Year and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, Olori Janet Afolabi, were among prominent Nigerians who paid tributes to the late founder of CNN, Ted Turner.
Turner, who pioneered the 24-hour news network that revolutionized television journalism, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 87, surrounded by his family.
NUJ President's Tribute
Abdullahi expressed his condolences, stating, 'Turner gave Nigerians and other Africans the platform to showcase their talents. We sympathise with his family. We hope the legacy he left behind will be sustained.'
Oshunkeye's Recollections
Oshunkeye described Turner as a trailblazer and phenomenal goal getter. He recalled, 'In 2006 when I won the CNN African journalist of the year, I was hosted in Atlanta for a month. Turner also hosted me. He was a fabulous human being.' Oshunkeye also recounted the beautiful moments he shared with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, adding, 'It is a big loss for journalism but he left a great legacy.'
Afolabi's Emotional Tribute
Afolabi, who is also the founder of the Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation (OJAF), shared her emotional experience: 'On February 11th, 1999, I received a letter from Turner Broadcasting System saying, "Congratulations, on behalf of CNN International I would like to inform you that your submission has been selected as one of the winning entries in this year's CNN African Journalist of the Year Competition." Out of excitement, I screamed with a loud voice that attracted colleagues from their offices.'
She added, 'Ted Turner's legacy is not just CNN. He gave African journalists a seat at the global table and made their work celebrated on a global stage. For thousands of African journalists, that award was a turning point. It opened doors to international platforms, boosted credibility and confidence. That is a legacy worth honouring.'
Turner's Legacy
The Ohio-born Atlanta businessman, nicknamed 'The Mouth of the South' for his outspoken nature, built a media empire that included cable's first superstation and popular channels for movies and cartoons, as well as professional sports teams like the Atlanta Braves. Turner was also an internationally known yachtsman, a philanthropist who founded the United Nations Foundation, an activist who sought the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons, and a conservationist who became one of the foremost landowners in the United States. He even created the Captain Planet cartoon to educate children about the environment. In 1991, Turner was named Time magazine's Man of the Year for 'influencing the dynamic of events and turning viewers in 150 countries into instant witnesses of history.'
