Media
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ethiopian Embassy in Nigeria have commended Mr Mufutau Ojo, the News Agency of Nigeria’s Editor-in-Chief, on his retirement from service.
Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesman, and Mr Legesse Haile, Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, made this known through separate goodwill messages to Ojo, on Wednesday, in Abuja.
Ojo is due to retire on Friday, after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, and becoming NAN’s Editor-in-Chief in December, 2024, bequeathing a legacy of unparalleled professional dedication and commitment.
Ebienfa noted that Ojo had demonstrated a rare dedication to his job and remarkably contributed to the operational growth of NAN in an unprecedented way.
He said Ojo’s distinguished journalism career demonstrated his professional excellence, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of news reporting and information dissemination.
“Throughout his years of service, Mr Ojo contributed meaningfully to accurate, balanced, and timely reporting that supports informed public discourse and Nigeria’s image, both at home and internationally.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledges and appreciates these contributions, particularly the role of professional journalism in advancing national development and diplomatic understanding.
“Therefore, as you step into a well-deserved retirement, we join your family, colleagues and friends to celebrate a career of dedication and integrity,” Ebienfa said.
The ministry’s spokesman also prayed for Ojo’s continued good health and success in his future endeavors.
He also prayed that the years ahead would bring him hope, joy, peace, and new opportunities to share his wealth of experience for the benefit of the media profession and the nation.
On his part, Amb. Haile congratulated Ojo for reaching the milestone of editor-in-chief, describing it as a testament to his exceptional leadership, editorial vision, and decades of dedication to excellence.
He said that under Ojo’s stewardship, NAN grew in reputation, clarity, integrity-shaping conversations, the mentoring of talented reporters, and setting high journalism standards and editorial policies.
Haile also hailed Ojo’s “keen eye for the story, and the countless decisions, big and small, that have sustained the publication’s quality and purpose.”
According to him, NAN as a main stream media, has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap and creating an understanding on the values, and cultural footprints of Nigeria, and the world.
The envoy also expressed appreciation to Ojo for his tireless contribution to positively impact Nigeria-Ethiopia diplomatic relations.
“In this regard, I appreciate and commend your leadership depicted through the NAN’s contribution in fostering the cordial diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and Nigeria in all respects, including the strong people-to-people relations.
“I believe that your keen editorial judgment, calm under pressure, and insistence on rigorous storytelling have left an enduring mark on NAN’s newsroom and readership.
“From your dedication and commitment to purpose, many have benefited from your mentorship.
“Your patient guidance, readiness to challenge ideas constructively, and commitment to nurturing new voices, will be remembered and carried forward for years to come,” Haile said.
“As you close this chapter, I hope retirement brings you time for rest, the freedom to pursue long-postponed passions, and many joyful moments with family, and friends.
“I would love to hear about your next adventures and continue to celebrate your achievements.
“Wishing you health, happiness, and fulfillment in the years ahead with deep appreciation and warmest congratulations,” he added.
Ojo, a veteran journalist, is a Fellow of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, London.
He previously served as Special Adviser to NAN’s Managing Director, and later as Director, Special Duties in the agency.
Prior to that, he also served as Deputy Editor-in-Chief and the agency’s Zonal Manager in its Ibadan Zonal Office.
As editor-in-chief, he oversees NAN’s large editorial operations with over 500 editors and reporters, local and international offices in New York, Johannesburg, and Abidjan, and partnerships with Reuters, AFP, and Xinhua, among others. (NAN)
A.I
Aug. 12, 2026
Tags: Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa Mr Legesse Haile Mr Mufutau Ojo