Remembering a Publisher, Media Entrepreneur, Entertainment Executive, Mentor and Father — Chief Executive Officer of Access Weekly Magazine and Nigeria Media Nite-Out Awards.
There are some people whose departure leaves more than an empty space. It leaves a silence in places where their voice once carried, in the lives of people they guided, and in the institutions they spent years building.
For the Olugbemiro family, the Nigerian media community and the many people whose lives he touched, the passing of Mr. Olusola Oluseyi Olugbemiro, popularly known as Sola Solkem, is one of those losses.
At 56, Sola Solkem’s journey came to an end on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
He was many things to many people: a publisher, journalist, media entrepreneur, entertainment executive, mentor, colleague, friend and industry leader.
But behind all those titles was something even more important to those closest to him.
He was a husband. He was a father. He was family. He was a good man.
THE MAN BEHIND ACCESS WEEKLY
For years, Sola Solkem served as the Chief Executive Officer of Access Weekly Magazine, dedicating a significant part of his life to the media industry.
His understanding of the industry went beyond simply being a publisher. He understood its people, its challenges, its opportunities and its responsibilities.
Through Access Weekly, he created a platform that carried the stories, personalities and events that mattered to the Nigerian media and entertainment landscape.
Today, the publication remains part of the legacy he built and nurtured.
It is fitting, therefore, that the pages of Access Weekly should pause to remember the man who stood behind them.
THE VISION BEHIND NIGERIA MEDIA NITE-OUT AWARDS
One of Sola Solkem’s most enduring contributions to the Nigerian media industry was the Nigeria Media Nite-Out Awards.
He believed that people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes deserved to be recognised and celebrated. He believed in giving people their flowers while they were still here.
Since its establishment in 2006, the awards have provided a platform for recognising journalists, broadcasters, publishers, media personalities and other professionals who have contributed to the growth of the industry.
By 2025, the awards had reached their 19th edition, with preparations underway for the landmark 20th anniversary edition in 2026.
Even as preparations were being made for that milestone, Sola remained the man behind the vision.
And perhaps that is one of the most remarkable parts of his legacy:
He spent his life putting a spotlight on others, and now that spotlight shines on him.
A MENTOR WHO OPENED DOORS
Beyond his professional achievements, Sola Solkem will also be remembered for the people he helped.
Colleagues and protégés remember him as someone who shared knowledge, offered counsel and helped others find their footing within the media industry.
Chief Mrs. Olowosegun Funmi remembered him as a trailblazer and a father figure in the newsroom who opened doors for many, particularly women in media.
Joshua Uloko described him as a journalist’s journalist — someone who valued facts, professionalism and nation-building.
Chief Mike Cerutti remembered his principles, generosity with knowledge and willingness to raise others.
Ambassador of Peace Dr. Cornell Udofia remembered him as a man who demanded excellence and left people better after every interaction.
Publisher Paul Ukpabio remembered not only their professional relationship but also the friendship, laughter, advice and conversations they shared.
These tributes remind us that his influence cannot be measured only by the publications he produced or the events he organised.
His greatest professional legacy may ultimately be found in the people he helped.
BEYOND SOLKEM THE MEDIA ICON
Yet for his family, the man being mourned is not primarily the publisher whose name appeared on magazine pages.
He was Dad.
He was a husband.
He was the man whose responsibility was not only to an industry, but to his family.
The world knew Sola Solkem.
We knew the man behind the name.
We knew his sacrifices, his laughter, his struggles, his imperfections and, most importantly, his love.
That is why no collection of professional achievements can fully tell the story of his life.
The awards, publications, events and recognitions tell one part of his story.
We, his children, know the other part.
The part that belonged to home.
A LEGACY THAT WILL LIVE BEYOND HIM
Sola Solkem leaves behind his wife and children, his extended family, friends, colleagues, protégés and professional associates.
He also leaves behind something that cannot be buried with him: his work.
Access Weekly remains a testament to his commitment to publishing.
The Nigeria Media Nite-Out Awards remain a testament to his belief in celebrating excellence.
And the many people he mentored remain living evidence of the impact he made.
A person’s life is measured not only by how long they lived, but by what remains after they are gone.
At 56, Sola Solkem may have taken his final bow, but his work continues to speak.
His name remains attached to the platforms he built.
His lessons remain with those he mentored.
His memories remain with his friends and colleagues.
And most importantly, his love remains with his family.
TODAY, WE REMEMBER
Today, we remember our father with both sadness and gratitude.
We remember a man who dedicated himself to the media industry.
We remember a publisher who built Access Weekly.
We remember the man behind the Nigeria Media Nite-Out Awards.
We remember a mentor who helped others.
We remember a colleague and friend.
But above all, we remember our father, our Dad, and the good man we were blessed to call ours.
The pain of losing someone we love may never completely disappear. But neither will the memories.
As the pages of Access Weekly continue to turn and the Nigeria Media Nite-Out Awards continues to carry the vision he built, the story of the man behind them will remain part of their history.
Dad, your chapter has ended, but your legacy continues.
We love you. We miss you. And we will never stop remembering you. ( FAMILY)
REST IN PEACE, DAD.
Mr. Olusola Oluseyi Olugbemiro
Sola Solkem
1969 – 2026
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
— Psalm 116:15
May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. 🕊️
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