By Samuel Aruwan
Kaduna
Publisher of London-based Africa Today, Mr. Kayode Soyinka, yesterday announced passing away of renowned British journalist, Kaye Whiteman, a veteran journalist that covered and authored book on 1967-1970 Nigeria’s Civil War.
Whiteman, 78, in 2013 also authored a book, Lagos: A Cultural and Historical Companion, aside being former editor of famous West Africa, a magazine that published comprehensive stories on the West African sub-region.
Soyinka in a statement sent to our reporter said: “It is with great sadness that I am writing to let you know that our dear friend and colleague Kaye Whiteman died last Saturday. The news just reached me while in Nigeria where I am presently. And I still spoke with him a few days ago before I left London. We produced the June edition of Africa Today together.
“Kaye was a distinguished journalist and editor who, over five decades, developed an immense knowledge of Africa and reported on African Affairs for the international media, including our newsmagazine, AFRICA TODAY, where he was for many years a Contributing Editor. His contributions in Africa Today are usually masterpieces.
“He was the deputy editor and eventually editor of the renowned West Africa magazine. He appropriately took over as editor of West Africa from the legendary David Williams. Whiteman was Williams’ protégé. He did his tutelage on Nigeria under Williams. He covered the Nigerian civil war and wrote on Nigeria and Africa with such authority, understanding and, indeed, affection that is rare among Western writers on Africa, that made some of us to consider him a Honourary Nigerian. He was also the author of several incisive books on Africa, including the book, LAGOS, which was launched only last year.”
Kaye Whiteman was also head of Information for the old European Economic Community (EEC) which became the European Union (EU). It was after leaving the EEC in Brussels that he returned to London to become editor of West Africa after the retirement of David Williams. He was also head of the Information and Public Affairs Division in the Commonwealth Secretariat serving under Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku in the late 1990s.