By Joke Kujenya
VETERAN ENVIRONMENTAL journalist, author, journalism lecturer and environmental communication expert Mr. Tunde Akingbade has died at the age of 67 after battling a prolonged illness.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the journalism profession, environmental and advocacy community, on Monday, July 27, 2026, lost one of their respected voices following his death at the age of 67.
A family statement issued by his only surviving elder sister, Mrs. Olubunmi Bamidele Akingbade-Olofin, said Akingbade passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026.
She also noted that his remains have been deposited in a hospital mortuary, while the family said funeral arrangements will be announced later, adding that the family has appealed for privacy as it mourns the late Tunde Akingbade’s passing.
It also added that details of his burial will be announced in due course.
Born on March 4, 1959, Akingbade built a journalism career spanning more than four decades and became one of Nigeria’s leading voices in environmental reporting.
During his career feats, he specialised in covering climate change, environmental pollution, conservation, environmental justice and sustainable development, subjects that were largely underreported when he began his career.
He started practising journalism in 1984, working with several national media organisations, including The Guardian, The Guardian on Sunday, African Concord, Sketch Press and African Science Monitor, before establishing himself as an independent environmental correspondent.
His investigative reporting earned international recognition in 2012, when he received a Highly Commended Environmental Journalist Award at the CNN/MultiChoice African Journalist Awards.
His work highlighted issues ranging from electronic waste and coastal erosion to climate change and the environmental implications of major infrastructure projects, including the Eko Atlantic City development.
Beyond newspaper reporting, Akingbade was widely known for promoting environmental awareness through broadcasting.
He created and presented Mr. Environment, a programme on RayPower Radio, where he regularly discussed environmental challenges, public health concerns and sustainable development before the programme was eventually discontinued.
He also made significant contributions as an author and educator.
His book, Nigeria on the Trail of the Environment: Including Environmental Inequity in Sub-Saharan Africa, examined Nigeria’s environmental history, policy evolution and the broader challenges facing the African continent.
As a lecturer and mentor, he helped nurture younger journalists and environmental communicators, encouraging evidence-based reporting on environmental issues.
According to the family, Akingbade’s health deteriorated in 2013 following an illness that was not publicly disclosed.
He was subsequently taken to his elder sister’s residence in Akure, Ondo State, where he remained under professional friends, associates and family care until his death on Monday.
The family also acknowledged the support of professional colleagues, friends and relatives who reportedly provided monthly financial assistance between 2019 and 2026 to assist with his welfare.
It added that Chief Otunba Femi Oduntan, Akingbade’s former employer, played a key role during the early stages of his illness by taking him to hospital and assisting with his medical expenses before other family members became actively involved.
His sister further disclosed that only days before his death, Akingbade had sent messages expressing gratitude to those who stood by him throughout his years of illness.
Tributes
Colleagues who worked with him remember Akingbade as one very friendly and easy-going journalist with a steady focus on his career growth.
He was also described as one of the journalists who helped establish environmental reporting as a specialised and influential beat in Nigeria.
Also, through his investigations, commentaries and public engagement, he consistently drew attention to the relationship between environmental protection, public health and national development.
The late Tunde Akingbade is survived by his wife, two sons and other family members.
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