Publisher of The Society Nigeria, Foluso Samuel died yesterday after a brief illness.
Since the news of his death, tributes have been pouring in from colleagues of the deceased who used to be a reporter with society magazine, Encomium Weekly.
Some of the notable names who penned down heartfelt condolence messages include; Uche Olehi, Ayobami Adedeji and Funsho Arogundade.
Read what they had to say about him below;
"I have just lost a very dear friend and brother, Foluso Samuel. A dear colleague and master prose writer. This guy, aside his kindered heart and loyalty to his friend, taught me, though indirectly how to report wedding event specifically. Your contribution to society reporting will not be forgotten so quick. You joined to make Encomium Ng livelier while you were there and you are also working assiduously to publish your own society journal which you already had 2 editions. It's so painful that dream will die now.
"Baba Kekere as many called you or FOLU as I was fond of calling you, this death of you is just too much for us to bear. I will forever remember your light husky voice hailing at me: “Baba, kilonshele?”anytime we met. My heart goes to your dear young wife and those two wonderful kids of yours (PSquare). And to your parents, gosh, too bad!
"FOLU… So hard to let go but sleep well my friend!" Funsho Arogundade wrote.
On his part, Ayobami Adedeji wrote: "The river of death has brimmed it’s bank again.Sadly, this time, it took Folusho Samuel.One of Nigeria’s finest society writers and Publisher SocietyNigeria.Good nite my brother, my friend….May your gentle soul rest in peace."
Uche Olehi didn't mince words when she wrote:"The demise of Foluso Samuel, one-time Assistant Editor of Encomium Weekly and publisher of The Society,Nigeria, is saddening, shocking, regrettable & a huge loss to the nation.
"A fantastic writer cum all-round reporter,Baba kekere would be mostly missed for his unequalled prowess in society wedding reportage. & working very closely with him for over seven years revealed the depth of his exceptional journalism skill. A man of many parts, Folly Coker,as some of us also called him, would be sorely missed. But his contribution to Celebrity Journalism would surely endure 4eva! Like Foluso himself said, ‘a man is not dead until he is forgotten’. Rest in peace, a fearless and bold Pen-Pusher I met and lost in active journalism practice."
Femi Salawu added his ink: "This was one of your most recent facebook updates. That is the last time all of us who are your friends will ever hear from you until judgement day.
"We love you but God loves you better. You were one of the next generation tough-bearers of Soft Sell journalism in Nigeria. I enjoyed all your very insightful analysis of the wealth of Nigeria’s mega rich Pentecostal Pastors in Ecomium Magazine. Not to mention, the minute-by-minute detailed coverage of the fairy-tale wedding ceremonies of the super rich. You were such a good-nurtured and humble young man. May God almighty comfort your grieving young wife and children. Amen. Adieu Foluso Samuel."
Bola Akinboade-Bello wrote: "OMG. Foluso Samuel is gone. This is so sad!!! Am speechless. May your gentle soul rest in peace. Amen" while Dayo Rufai. Simpy said, "Goodnite Dearest colleague. Painful exit."
Osaremen Ehi James wrote: "So sad, a friend and colleague in the journalism world, Foluso Samuel is gone and to meet his creator. He was one of the best wedding reporters in the profession. My sincere condolences to the family he left behind and also the newly formed Guild of Softsell Publishers he belonged to after he floated his magazine. Adieu brother."