by George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Shola Aiyebola, a veteran television producer with Africa Independent Television, describing his passing as a profound loss to the media industry and Nigeria’s human rights community.
The Commission said it received the news of Aiyebola’s death with shock and sadness, noting that he was an exceptional journalist, a committed human rights advocate and a dependable partner in the promotion and protection of human rights across the country. It stated that his death was not only painful for his family and colleagues at AIT but also for stakeholders who relied on his work to advance justice and human dignity.
According to the Commission, Aiyebola was a journalist of uncommon dedication and integrity whose work consistently reflected courage, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility. It noted that his reporting amplified the voices of victims, brought attention to human rights violations and ensured that issues often ignored received public attention.
The NHRC said Aiyebola demonstrated a high level of adherence to journalistic ethics, with emphasis on factual accuracy, balance, objectivity and fairness. It added that he understood the human dimension behind every rights story and ensured that real struggles and real consequences were properly reflected in his work.
Special recognition was given to his role as producer of the programme State of Human Rights, aired weekly on Kakaaki on AIT. The Commission said the programme served as a credible platform for sustained engagement on human rights issues, policy discussions and public enlightenment, noting that his editorial leadership and consistency helped shape national conversations on rights and accountability.
The Commission described Aiyebola’s life and career as defined by service, sacrifice and advocacy, adding that he believed strongly in the power of the media to drive social change. It said his legacy would endure through the lives he touched, the injustices he helped expose and the professional standards he upheld in journalism.
The NHRC extended condolences to his family, the management and staff of AIT and all those affected by the loss, while praying for strength and comfort for them.
The National Human Rights Commission is the statutory body mandated to promote, protect and enforce human rights in Nigeria, as well as advise government on human rights obligations and foster a culture of accountability and respect for human dignity.
