Lawrence Audu Bilal: A Life Dedicated to Truth, Journalism, and Friendship
A Journey of Professionalism and Passion
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
It is with profound sorrow and deep reflection that I pay tribute to my dear friend and colleague, Mr. Lawrence Audu Bilal. A man whose life was marked by immense talent, unwavering dedication, and an uncommon humility. His passing leaves a void not just in my heart but in the entire media community, where his influence and commitment resonated deeply.
Our paths first crossed in 2021 during a military tour in the Northeast. It was in the harsh realities of conflict reporting, amidst the roar of military operations and the urgency of frontline journalism, that I first witnessed the depth of Lawrence’s professionalism.
He was not just another journalist covering a story; he was a man on a mission, deeply invested in bringing truth to the world. From that first encounter, I saw in him a man who approached journalism with a rare mix of passion and precision.
Lawrence eventually became an integral part of Sprazzatura Publishing Company, where I serve as General Manager. It was here that his journalistic excellence truly flourished. Taking up the role of Editor-in-Chief for Northeast Star Magazine, he embraced the responsibility with an unshakeable commitment to quality storytelling. His vision was clear: to make Northeast Star a beacon of truth and an authoritative voice in regional and national journalism.
Though he always called me “Oga,” a term of respect and admiration, I often reminded him that we were friends first. But true to his nature, he never wavered in his humility. Even as we worked side by side, he never failed to acknowledge leadership and hierarchy, a reflection of the deeply ingrained respect he had for both people and professionalism.
His leadership at Northeast Star was not just about managing stories and deadlines; it was about mentorship. Younger journalists under his guidance learnt not only the craft of writing but also the ethics of journalism. He taught them to chase truth, to resist sensationalism, and to uphold the values that make the media a pillar of democracy. Under his leadership, many young journalists were empowered to uphold the integrity of the profession.
The last time I saw Lawrence was on Saturday, February 1, 2025. We met at 3JS Hotel, Utako, a familiar hub for us after major media events. That evening, we had just concluded the annual OurNigeria News Magazine awards, another key publication under our company. It was a time to reflect on the success of the event, to celebrate our hard work, and to plan for what lay ahead.
Yet, amidst the post-event exhaustion, Lawrence was still working. Seated with his laptop, he was carefully editing video clips for OurNigeria TV 24, ensuring that the highlights of the event were polished and ready for publication. His commitment to excellence never waned, even as he battled discomfort.
I noticed that he was struggling with a sore throat, a symptom he attributed to a tooth problem. Concerned, I advised him to avoid cold water and to take extra care of his health. He acknowledged my concern with his usual calm demeanour, offering a reassuring nod before returning to his screen. It was typical of Lawrence—always putting work above his personal discomfort, always ensuring that the job was done before thinking of himself.
Beyond the newsroom and editorial meetings, Lawrence was more than just a colleague; he was a brother. He was someone you could talk to about life, about dreams, about the challenges that come with being in the media space. He had an uncanny ability to listen, to offer wisdom in the simplest of words, and to remind you why we do what we do.
He was a man of integrity, someone who never compromised on his values. In an era where journalism is often plagued by sensationalism and bias, Lawrence remained steadfast in his commitment to truthful reporting. He believed that the media had a duty to inform, not mislead; to educate, not manipulate.
His dedication went beyond his professional life. He was a family man, a friend to many, and a source of inspiration to young journalists who aspired to walk the path he had paved. His presence in the media world was not just about breaking news; it was about building a legacy of truth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to ethical journalism.
Today, as I reflect on the life of Lawrence Audu Bilal, I do so with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow, because I have lost a friend and a brother in the field of journalism. Gratitude, because I had the privilege of knowing him, working alongside him, and learning from his remarkable dedication.
His contributions to our publications and the broader media landscape will not be forgotten. The stories he wrote, the truths he uncovered, and the impact he made will continue to shape journalism for years to come. His legacy is not just in the articles he edited or the reports he published; it is in the people he inspired, the journalists he mentored, and the unwavering commitment to truth that he embodied.
To his family, friends, and colleagues who mourn him, let us remember Lawrence not just in grief, but in honour of his life’s work. Let us carry forward the values he stood for: integrity, dedication, and an unyielding passion for the truth.
Rest in peace, my dear friend and colleague, Mr. Lawrence Audu Bilal. Your legacy will live on in the stories you told, the lives you touched, and the hearts you inspired. The newsroom will never be the same without you, but your impact will be felt in every headline, in every story, and in every journalist who strives for truth because they were inspired by you.
You were more than a journalist—you were a voice of reason, a champion of truth, and a friend to all who knew you. May your soul find eternal rest, and may your contributions to the world of journalism continue to inspire generations to come.
