My story serves as a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and the role of journalism in defending democratic values.
— Olonishuwa
Following his release after 170 harrowing days of incarceration, a prominent member of Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) and National Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), Mr. Rowland Olonishuwa, has expressed profound gratitude to a wide network of individuals and associations for their unwavering support, solidarity, and sacrifices during his ordeal.
In a moving statement titled “Unspoken Gratitude is Ingratitude Spoken,” Olonishuwa poured out heartfelt appreciation to members of the media, legal practitioners, civil society leaders, family, and friends who stood by him and his colleagues during their detention and legal battle.
Foremost among those he acknowledged was the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, for his dogged commitment and personal sacrifices, including foregoing time with his family during the early days of the last Ramadan to ensure the matter was addressed with urgency. Olonishuwa also extended thanks to Yahya’s executive team and broader NUJ members nationwide for their solidarity.
He further praised the support from the NGIJ led by its President, Abdulrahman Aliagan, who not only offered financial and moral backing but also delegated Vice President (Investigation), Comrade James Ezema, to attend court proceedings in Lagos, offering vital presence and encouragement.
The Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ), under the leadership of Mr. Opeyemi Adeoti, was also recognized for playing a crucial role, especially in supporting Olonishuwa’s family. “You were my rock of Gibraltar,” he said, commending Adeoti for going the extra mile.
Significant appreciation was also directed to the Kwara State NUJ Chairman, Mallam Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed; Mr. AbdulRazaq Ahmed Abiodun of NUPPROW; and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kwara State chapter, led by Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, for both moral and financial support.
Legal support came from Barrister Olakunle Afolabi and his team, who were described as brilliant and steadfast. Other notable figures mentioned include human rights advocates Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and Dr. Kemi Olunloyo, who spoke out at critical moments, and media allies such as Dare Akogun (Da Radio General) and Madam Stella Din-Jacob for their roles in advocating behind the scenes.
The acknowledgment extended to religious leaders, government officials, and professional colleagues, including Bishop Sunday Timothy Adewole of CAN, Reverend Timothy Akangbe, CPS to the Kwara Governor Rafiu Ajakaye, and Kogi State’s Auditor General for Local Government, Alhaji Siyaka Yakubu Adabegene.
Olonishuwa also reserved touching tributes for his family and close circle, praising their emotional resilience. He specifically thanked his wife, Olori Debra Abidemi, and children, Fikayomi and Melody, for their strength and sacrifice.
Reflecting on the experience, he said, “Your efforts not only brought relief to me and my colleagues but also reinforced the importance of a free and independent press.”
Olonishuwa concluded by giving glory to God for the strength to endure, while assuring that the experience had only strengthened his resolve to fight for truth and justice in journalism.
His story serves as a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and the role of journalism in defending democratic values.