Ogun: Tears as Prominent Nigerian Journalist Slumps, Dies at TV Station

• Bukola Agbakaizu, a female broadcast journalist for Ogun State Television (OGTV), died on May 1 while preparing for afternoon duty
• Agbakaizu’s death was confirmed by Bunmi Adigun, the secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council
• Colleagues of the late journalist described her as a consummate and dedicated employee, saying they were pained by her death

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.

Abeokuta, Lagos state - Bukola Agbakaizu, an employee of the Ogun State Television (OGTV), Abeokuta, reportedly slumped and died on Monday, May 12.

As reported by The Punch on Tuesday, May 13, Agbakaizu passed away while preparing for her afternoon shift at the state-owned television station.

Ogun broadcaster Agbakaizu dies as colleagues mourn

Vanguard also noted the sad demise of the 52-year-old ex-officio of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council.

In a statement of condolences signed by Sekinat Salam, the chairperson of Ogun Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Agbakaizu’s death has left them reeling.

NAWOJ, who described the late broadcast journalist as a consummate and dedicated employee of OGTV, added that her death was disheartening. The statement reads:

"Her [Agbakaizu] compassion towards others, dedication, love, and passion for the pen profession will always be remembered and cherished by all.

“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."

In the same vein, NUJ's statement expressed deep sadness over Agbakaizu's passing.

The statement, signed by Bunmi Adigun, its secretary in Ogun state, reads in part:

“Agbakaizu, a dedicated staff member of Ogun State Television, tragically collapsed while preparing for the afternoon shift, and despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Federal Medical Centre.

“A versatile journalist and a passionate comrade, Bukola served as a former vice-chairman of 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."

Legit.ng has learned that the deceased is survived by her two children and her elderly mother.

A picture of the late broadcaster on duty for the state television network can be viewed below:

What causes slumping to death?

Meanwhile, a Nigerian heart specialist called on citizens to prioritise routine health checks amid rising incidents of people collapsing and dying suddenly in the country.

Dr. John Asekhame, a consultant cardiologist at Providence Multi-Speciality Hospital in Abuja, said most cases of sudden collapse are not caused by supernatural forces, as popularly believed, but by undiagnosed or poorly managed medical conditions, particularly those related to the heart.

“Simple things can cause someone to slump. It could be cardiac or non-cardiac causes,” Asekhame said in an interview featured by the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria.

“Excessive dehydration, heatstroke, low blood sugar, and malaria are common non-cardiac causes. For cardiac causes, arrhythmia, stroke, heart attacks, and uncontrolled high blood pressure are major culprits.”

Asekhame emphasised that hypertension, often dubbed the “silent killer,” rarely shows symptoms until it leads to severe complications such as stroke or heart failure. He warned that many Nigerians are unknowingly living with dangerously high blood pressure levels.

“A lot of people are walking around like time bombs,” he said. “They may have dangerously high blood pressure without any symptoms, and something bad can happen without warning.”

The cardiologist urged the public to adopt a culture of preventive health care by regularly checking their blood pressure at pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals. According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, normal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mmHg.

He also advised Nigerians experiencing dizziness, palpitations, or blackouts to consult a doctor promptly, whether or not they are on medication.

Highlighting the need for workplace health initiatives, Asekhame called on employers to promote regular health screenings among staff to detect and manage risks early.

Dr. Asekhame’s warning comes amid increasing reports of unexplained collapses and deaths in Nigeria, with many cases often attributed to spiritual causes rather than underlying health issues.

Former minister Caleb Olubolade slumps, dies

Earlier, Legit.ng also reported on Captain Caleb Olubolade's death. He was a former military administrator in Bayelsa State and also held a previous position as the Minister of Special Duties.

He also served as police affairs minister and minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He was said to have slumped and died while playing a game of lawn tennis in Apapa, Lagos state.

In a statement signed by his first daughter and first son, Oluwayemisi Akinadewo and Dayo Olubolade, the family explained that he had driven himself to the nearby court and died during a game.

Legit.ng's head of politics and current affairs desk, Nurudeen Lawal, contributed insights from a medical expert on the causes of slumping to death to this report.

Source: Legit.ng