A female broadcast journalist with Ogun State Television (OGTV), Abeokuta, Bukola Agbakaizu, has died after slumping while preparing for her afternoon shift.

The incident occurred on Monday at the premises of the state-owned TV station. She was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Confirming her death in a statement on Tuesday night, secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Bunmi Adigun, said: “Agbakaizu, a dedicated staff member of Ogun State Television, tragically collapsed while preparing for afternoon shift, and despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Federal Medical Centre.”

Adigun described the 52-year-old as “a versatile journalist and a passionate comrade,” adding that she once served as vice chairman of the OGTV chapel and was an invaluable member of the Wale Olanrewaju-led executive.

“Her vibrant spirit and commitment to journalism will be sorely missed, leaving an irreplaceable void in our community,” he added.

Agbakaizu, who was an ex-officio of the NUJ council until her death, is survived by her two children, aged mother, friends and colleagues.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State chapter, also expressed grief over her passing.

“Ogun NAWOJ received the news of Mrs. Bukola Agbakaizu with a rude shock. Her death came when her experience and exemplary leadership would be needed by the association,” chairperson Mrs Sekinat Salam said in a statement.

“As a dedicated member of NUJ, Ogun State Council and NAWOJ, Ogun State chapter, the mother of two will be sorely missed by all. Her compassion towards others, dedication, love, and passion for the pen profession will always be remembered and cherished by all,” she added.

“Though she passed on at the age of 52, her dedication to God and service to humanity will continue to keep her in our memories for a long time to come.

“We pray that her soul finds peace in the Lord, while the family she left behind will continue to be under the protection of God Almighty. Rest on, the amazon of our profession.”