The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has described the death of a correspondent of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the State, Mr. Shola Owolabi as shocking.

Governor Ahmed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahlaji Abdulwahub Oba said the death was particularly devastating because Mr. Shola Owolabi died a  young man, at a time when he still had a lot to contribute to nation building.

The Governor said the demise of Owolabi also marked a huge loss to the journalism profession because he was a young man committed to the idea of the profession, a man who was profoundly industrious and humble.

Ahmed, who commiserated with the family of the deceased and journalists in the State, prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Also, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Barrister Rasak Atunwa described the death as a colosal loss, nothing that he was a vibrant, disciplined and committed journalist.

Atunwa expressed shock over the demise of the immediate past Assembly correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), adding that he will be remembered for the fearless, accurate and beloved reporting.

He urged the family, management and staff of NAN and the NUJ to take solace in the fact that he lived a useful life and prayed to God to grant him eternal life and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also stakeholders in the media profession have comensurated with the family friends and the entire media community on the passing away of Mr. Shola Owolabi.

In a release by The Herald NUJ Chapel, its chairman, Mrs. Betty expressed regret over the death of " a rare gem, a journalist of good standing, Mr. Stephen Shoal Owolabi
"Our  hearth felt condolence goes to the Owolabi family and indeed to the good people of Kwara and Oyo States  for the loss of an enviable son and pray Almighty God to grant them the fortitute to bear the painful loss"

Also in a release, the "B" Zone of the Nigerian Association of Woman Journalist (NAWOJ) commensurates with the family, friends, well-wishers and the entire NUJ family over the sudden and tragic incident which occurred on Sunday 21st July 2013.

The release signed by NAWOJ Vice President in charge of the Zone, Hajia Biliqis Modupe Oladimeji  stated that Mr. Owolabi would greatly be missed, praying for the reprose of his soul.

Also in a release signed by the duo of Layi Olarenwaju. Chairman and Biodun Azeez the Correspondent Chapel of NUJ for  which the deceased was Assistant Secretary, described him as dutiful and enterprising member, praying God to serve as fortress to those he left behind, while a condolence register was opened at the Chapel.

On its part, The National Pilot Chapel where Mr Shola Owolabi served before moving to NAN described him as one of the best hands in the pen profession, praying God to have mercy on his soul and give courage to the family, in a statement signed by Mallam Shuaib AbdulKadir, the Chapel chair.

Also in a message to Media, the coordinator of Muslim Watch Group (MMWG), Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi and Secretary, Alhaji Nasir Balogun said Mr. Owolabi's death was sad and shocking, sympathizing with the family, friends and the entire media family.