Renowned broadcaster and advocate for the Ogu language, Sylvester Hunjo, has passed away at the age of 86. Hunjo, who died on August 1, 2026, was a prominent figure in Nigeria's media landscape, particularly in the promotion of the Ogu language and culture. His legacy is being celebrated by colleagues, friends, and family members, who remember him for his dedication to his craft and his community. Hunjo worked as a broadcaster for Radio Lagos and Lagos Television, where he hosted several programs aimed at promoting the Ogu language and culture.
Hunjo's passion for the Ogu language was evident in his work, particularly in his popular programs "Miyonmide" and "Midugbe". These programs, which aired on LTV 8 and Radio Lagos, respectively, were designed to educate and entertain his audience, while also promoting the Ogu language and culture. His efforts helped to preserve the language and cultural heritage of his community, and his impact is still felt today. Many who knew him, including public affairs commentator Reuben Omotayo Hopo, have praised Hunjo's commitment to his craft and his community.
One notable example of Hunjo's expertise was his role in resolving a translation issue during the introduction of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) to Nigeria in 2000. When the former President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced GSM, a meeting was summoned to discuss and resolve the translation difficulty in news broadcasts and programs. Hunjo became the first broadcaster to pronounce "alokan", affirming the conceptual interpretation of GSM among his peers. This incident attested to his qualities as a veteran broadcaster and his ability to think on his feet.
Hunjo's affection and impact extended beyond his professional life, touching the lives of his family members, particularly his children. His children have excelled in their chosen careers, including Professor Henry Hunjo, who is currently the Head of the Department of English at Lagos State University. Hunjo's legacy as a devoted family man and a champion of his community's language and culture is being celebrated by those who knew him. His burial service, which took place on August 15, 2026, at the Jehovah Witness Hall in Agonkanme, Badagry, was attended by prominent figures from various sectors of society.
The burial service was followed by a reception at the remodelled Badagry City Hall, where guests were entertained by traditional Ogu music and cultural performances. The event was attended by former lecturers, media personalities, and other notable figures, who came to pay their respects to Hunjo. The outpouring of tributes and condolences from across the media and cultural landscape is a testament to Hunjo's enduring impact and legacy.
Hunjo's commitment to promoting the Ogu language and culture was driven by his desire to preserve his community's heritage. He was part of a generation of media pioneers who recognized the importance of promoting local languages and cultures in the face of globalization. His work continues to inspire a new generation of broadcasters, writers, and cultural enthusiasts, who are committed to preserving Nigeria's rich cultural diversity.
As tributes continue to pour in for Sylvester Hunjo, his family, friends, and colleagues take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will endure. His contributions to Nigeria's media and cultural landscape will be remembered for generations to come. KEY_POINT: Hunjo's legacy as a champion of the Ogu language and culture continues to inspire a new generation of broadcasters and cultural enthusiasts. KEY_POINT: His commitment to promoting local languages and cultures in the face of globalization has left a lasting impact on Nigeria's media landscape. KEY_POINT: Hunjo's impact on his family and community is a testament to his devotion to his craft and his people.
