Tunde Akingbade, a veteran environmental journalist, author, and educator, dies at the age of 67. Akingbade passed away on Monday, July 27.
Born on March 4, 1959, he spent over four decades in environmental journalism, establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s leading voices on climate change, pollution, conservation, and sustainable development.
He began his journalism career in 1984 and worked for a number of media outlets, including The Guardian, The Guardian on Sunday, African Concord, Sketch Press, and African Science Monitor, before becoming a freelance environmental journalist.
His extraordinary contributions to environmental reporting gained him international acclaim, including the prestigious Environmental Journalist Award at the 2012 CNN/MultiChoice African Journalist Awards.
He also created and hosted the Mr Environment show on RayPower Radio, which promoted environmental awareness and public education.
Akingbade was the author of Nigeria on the Trail of the Environment, a well-appreciated book about Nigeria’s environmental history and policies.
Aside from writing, he mentored numerous young journalists through education, activism, and professional guidance.
He apparently became unwell in 2013 and has been undergoing treatment in Akure, Ondo State, with the help of his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife and two boys. The family will announce the funeral arrangements at a later date.
Akingbade’s death concludes a distinguished career committed to environmental advocacy, public awareness, and the promotion of environmental journalism in Nigeria.
