Late multiple award-winning photojournalist, Yinka Adeparusi, who lived a major part of his life narrating many of the social vices, problems militating Nigeria’s growth lost his life last year, November in a fatal accident near Karu in Abuja.
Turning the tragedy into opportunity, Yinka’s friends, family and associates established the Yinka Adeparusi Foundation [YAF], which was offically unveiled today at the headquarters of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), specifically to “ honor late Adeparusi’s worthy life”
The ceremony, was also part of the activities to mark the late Adeparusi’s first posthumous birthday.
In his tribute, the Editor of Naij.com, an online news hub, Mr. Bayo Olupohunda, described his late colleague as a humble and silent achiever, saying his focus was always on the work without giving room for any distraction.
He said; “I met Yinka only once when I visited our Abuja office but the impression he created in me was that of a great guy. He would not talk much but allowed his work to speak for him.
“From the administrative headquarters of our platform the instruction is that we must support this Foundation to realise its target objectives. We will appreciate everyone’s commitment to this project.”
In a similar development, the WSCIJ Coordinator, Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka, expressed delight that the Centre was considered to be part of efforts to immortalize one of the past winners of its media award series.
According to Alaka, the Centre worked closely with Adeparusi on many projects, and that his dignity, honesty, and dedication to work singled him out as a goal-getter. “We say Yinka as a young man full of dreams, who should be emulated by the younger generation. He was focused and committed. WSCIJ is glad to associate with the Foundation.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Adeparusi’s immediate elder sister, Mrs. Oluwakemi Adeparusi-Ajiboye, commended everyone who contributed to the success of the programme, saying the family is comforted by the massive support from individuals and organisations to keep their son’s legacies alive.
The Acting Chairman for the Foundation, Mr. Femi Ajasa, who gave the background into the focus of the Foundation, said the platform would maintain the standard the late photojournalist was known for.
