Late Mrs. Shola Oluremi Adekola
The Nigerian media and aviation industry have lost a towering figure as Mrs. Shola Oluremi Adekola, the Assistant Business and Aviation Editor of the Nigerian Tribune, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja after a brief illness. She was 61.
Fondly known as “Madam Sholly,” Adekola was a respected journalist, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for the aviation industry. Her insightful analyses and fearless reporting shaped aviation journalism in Nigeria for decades.
A Life Rooted in Excellence
Born into an academic family, Adekola was the daughter of the Late Professor Morakinyo Omole and Mrs. Funmilayo Omole. She grew up in the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI) community, where she was nurtured in an environment of scholarship and discipline. She later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from UI in 1988 before pursuing further specialized aviation training.
Her commitment to aviation journalism was further cemented through professional training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, where she undertook various courses between 1993 and 2023. These included Aviation Reporting for Image Makers, Advanced Training in Aviation for Image Makers, and Management Courses for Image Makers.
A Renowned Aviation Reporter with Global Exposure
Adekola’s dedication to aviation reporting took her beyond Nigeria’s borders. She traveled extensively across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa, covering major aviation and tourism conferences, bringing back insightful reports that shaped policies and public discourse.
She was widely known for her powerful weekly column, “CRUCIAL MOMENT,” which appeared every Thursday in the Nigerian Tribune’s business section. Her writing was a beacon of industry knowledge, offering in-depth perspectives on aviation and business trends.
A Distinguished Career in Journalism
Adekola’s career spanned multiple leading newspapers. She started as a Proofreader and Sub-Editor before moving on to roles as a Correspondent, Aviation Reporter, and eventually Assistant Business and Aviation Editor. Her journey included stints at:
- The Triumph (Kano State Government Newspaper) – where she was first posted to the aviation beat in 1993.
- Hallmark Newspaper
- Daily Times
- Reuters
- Nigerian Tribune, where she rose to become Assistant Business and Aviation Editor until her passing.
A Stalwart of LAAC and Aviation Advocacy
Adekola was an active member of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) since 1993. Her dedication and leadership saw her serve in various key positions, including:
- Assistant Secretary
- Secretary
- Vice Chairman
Her contributions to aviation journalism earned her the respect of industry stakeholders, from government agencies to private sector players.
A Lasting Legacy
With her deep industry knowledge, fearless reporting, and mentorship to younger journalists, Shola Adekola leaves behind an irreplaceable legacy. Her voice may be silent, but her impact on aviation journalism and the Nigerian media landscape will endure.
She will be dearly missed by her family, colleagues, industry stakeholders, and the many readers who relied on her incisive analysis.
Rest in peace, Madam Sholly. Your legacy soars beyond the skies.
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