Veteran Environmental Journalist Tunde Akingbade Dies at 67
Veteran environmental journalist, author and lecturer, Tunde Akingbade, has died at the age of 67.
Akingbade passed away on Monday, July 27, after years of battling illness.
Born on March 4, 1959, he dedicated more than 40 years of his life to environmental journalism, becoming one of Nigeria’s leading voices on issues such as climate change, pollution, conservation and sustainable development.
He began his journalism career in 1984 and worked with several media organisations, including The Guardian, The Guardian on Sunday, African Concord, Sketch Press, and African Science Monitor, before becoming a freelance environmental correspondent.
His commitment to environmental reporting earned him international recognition, including a Highly Commended Environmental Journalist Award at the 2012 CNN/MultiChoice African Journalist Awards.
Akingbade also founded and hosted the Mr Environment programme on RayPower Radio, where he educated the public on environmental issues and promoted sustainable practices.
He authored the book Nigeria on the Trail of the Environment, a respected publication that documents the country’s environmental history and policy development.
Beyond journalism, he was known for mentoring young reporters and contributing to environmental advocacy through teaching and public engagement.
He reportedly became ill in 2013 and had since been receiving treatment in Akure, Ondo State, with the support of his family and close friends.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
The family said funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Akingbade’s death marks the loss of one of Nigeria’s foremost environmental journalists, whose work helped shape public awareness and policy discussions on environmental protection.
