Death has once more visited the Nigerian journalism family, this time stealing former Presidential Spokesperson and immediate past Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Remi Oyo.

Her death was announced minutes ago on Facebook by Lanre Idowu, who wrote:

“Former Presidential spokesperson, Felicia Oluremi Oyo, OON, passed on October 1, in London, one week before her 62nd birthday after a prolonged illness.

“As senior special assistant media and publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2003 to 2007, Mrs. Oyo was the first female to hold that position. Before then she had served as the first female president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. She later served as the first female managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria, 2007 to 2013.

“An indigene of Usi-Ekiti, she was educated at the University of Lagos, Akoka and the University of Kent, Canterbury.

“She began her journalism career at the Federal Radio Corporation, Ikoyi and later worked at the News Agency of Nigeria, and the Rome-based development agency, Inter Press where she was bureau chief.

“She is survived by her husband, Vincent Oyo, broadcaster and public relations consultant, a son, Otome and daughter, Otie, several grandchildren.

“A lively and witty soul, Remi Oyo was a dependable ally, who would be missed in the media. It is an understatement that we will miss her at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) where she was our treasured trustee.

“May her warm soul find eternal bliss.”

•Photo shows late Remi Oyo.