Veteran Journalist, Elder Ezekiel Ayanda, Dies at 83
KEHINDE AKINPELU ILORIN
Elder Ezekiel Olabanji Ayanda, a veteran journalist, broadcaster, and community leader, has passed away at the age of 83.
According to his son, Mr. Tope Ayanda, the community leader died on Friday, April 17, 2026, bringing to a close a life marked by dedication to journalism, public service, and community development.
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Born in June 1943 in Isanlu-Isin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Elder Ayanda began his professional journey as an Aeronautical Radio Operator with the Federal Ministry of Transport and Aviation at the Kano International Airport in the 1970s.
Driven by a deep passion for journalism, he pursued professional training both locally and internationally, earning diplomas from institutions in the United Kingdom, including the London School of Journalism.
His foray into journalism began in Kano, where he worked as a correspondent with the Nigerian Herald Newspaper under the mentorship of the then City Editor, Chief Ajayi Memayetan, an experience that helped shape his career in the media profession.
He later joined the Kwara State Ministry of Information as an Assistant Information Officer in 1976 before moving to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ilorin, in 1978.
During his distinguished career at NTA Ilorin, Elder Ayanda underwent further professional training at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, and the Television College, Jos, where he specialized in journalism, press law, broadcasting, research, and advanced news reporting. He retired from the NTA in 1995 after 17 years of meritorious service.
After his retirement, he founded Ayancity Ventures, a media and production outfit that provided services in video coverage, television and film production, documentary development, public relations, and audio-visual content creation. Through this platform, he mentored and trained young people in media-related skills and anchored a weekly programme titled “Business Guide” on NTA Ilorin.
Elder Ayanda was an active member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he served as Council Treasurer in the 1990s. He was also affiliated with the Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) and the National Association of Veteran Journalists (NAVEJ).
Beyond journalism, he was deeply involved in community development in Isanlu-Isin. As a former Community Secretary, he played key roles in initiatives that facilitated the provision of electricity, road development, and the revitalization of the community general hospital, among other projects.
A devout Christian, he was a longstanding member of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), where he served in several leadership capacities, including as a publicity officer and district secretary of the church’s men’s association.
Elder Ayanda is survived by his wife, Deaconess Abigail Abiola Ayanda, children, grandchildren, and a host of relatives and associates.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 18TH 2026)
