The leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), DAAR Communications Plc Chapel, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Shola Aiyebola, one of Nigeria’s longest-serving television programme producers.
Mr. Aiyebola passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
In a condolence statement signed by the NUJ DAAR Chairman, Patrick Abulu, the union described the late Aiyebola as an icon of television programme production, noting that he served as producer of African Independent Television’s (AIT) flagship magazine programme, Kakaaki, from 1997.
The statement recalled that Aiyebola initially joined the programme as producer of a segment titled Healthy Living before eventually becoming the main producer, a role he held with dedication for over two decades.
Fondly called “Egberefu” by colleagues for his humour in the newsroom, Aiyebola was also known for his trademark long kaftan and one-sided petit black cap—features that made him a familiar and beloved figure within DAAR Communications.
The NUJ noted that for nearly 25 years, Aiyebola sacrificed countless nights of sleep, working tirelessly from Sunday to Thursday, week after week, to ensure Kakaaki aired flawlessly every morning despite numerous challenges.
Popularly known as “Sholly,” he mentored and moulded several presenters—young and old—many of whom have gone on to achieve national and international recognition.
Except for a brief four-year period when he served in a political appointment, Aiyebola was a constant presence at DAAR’s Alagbado office in Lagos and later at the DAAR Communications complex in Kpaduma Hills, Abuja.
The union further described him as a compassionate professional who would often pause serious editorial duties to listen to colleagues, regardless of rank, and guide them to solutions or direct them to senior professionals when necessary.
As the NUJ DAAR joins millions of Kakaaki viewers—despite his work being largely behind the scenes—to mourn his passing, it called on the Board and Management of DAAR Communications Plc to honour and immortalise his legacy in recognition of his immense contributions to the programme’s uninterrupted success.
The union also prayed for strength and comfort for his widow and children, asking Almighty God to grant them the fortitude to bear the painful loss.