Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has described late seasoned journalist, Hadji Alade Odunewu as quintessential journalist worthy of emulation by all irrespective of professional inclinations. Governor Ahmed, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, described Hadj Odunewu as a journalist who made his mark as a journalist with integrity and administrator per excellence.

"Through his humorous writings, Hadji 'Allah de' inspired patriotism, peace and justice in the nation's polity", Governor Ahmed affirmed. Ahmed recalled that Hadji Odunewu , as a reporter, sub editor, editor, editor-in-chief and administrator, was virtually everything a journalist could aspire to be in the profession as he left his footprints in the sand of time.

Governor Ahmed added that it was, however, heartwarming that the media guru did not die unsung as he was honoured and appreciated by many media related professional bodies including the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Newspaper Proprietors Association ( NPAN) in his life time.

The Governor prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and the family and journalists.

In another development , the Northern State Governors Forum has commiserated with the family of the late veteran journalist, who died on Thursday at the age of 85 years.

Chairman of the forum and Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger, in a statement, described the deceased as a thorough bred journalist who touched the lives of many in a positive way. "His death is a great loss to the journalism profession and humanity in general", added the statement signed by his press secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo.

"As a newspaper columnist, through his membership of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO), to his appointment as the Chairman of the Nigerian Press Council, Odunewu remained with the people," it said. The statement expressed the hope that journalists who benefited from his immense knowledge and managerial acumen would keep the flag flying. The statement prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while also granting the departed eternal rest.