The Lagos State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has described the passage of the Chairman and Publisher, Complete Communications Ltd., Dr Sunny Ojeagbase, as very sudden and unfortunate.
SWAN Chairman, Debo Oshundun in his reaction, told journalists in Lagos Tuesday that the late Ojeagbase was a pathfinder who dedicated his life to the nation through journalism.
Ojeagbase, also the publisher of Success Digests and other online publications died on February 26, at 71, in Atlanta, U.S, after a brief illness.
Oshundun described the deceased, also a retired officer of the Nigerian Army, who started his journalism journey with Daily Times newspapers, as a father figure to many.
He said that the deceased was a symbol of how far sports journalism had evolved in Nigeria.
“He was a pathfinder who redefined sports journalism in Nigeria when he established Sports Souvenir weekly newspapers way back in 1984.
“He was an active supporter of Lagos SWAN and was always ready to give young journalists a platform to grow.
“Complete Sports always participate in all our activities, most especially the SWAN week football competition which they have won several times,” he said.
The chairman further recalled that Ojeagbase was an editor of Sunday Concord newspapers before taking up a similar role at the Guardian newspapers and later resigned in 1984 to go private.
“We will surely miss him. Nigerian sports reporting terrain will miss him.
“Retired and active Super Eagles players and many other athletes who became national icons through his platforms will surely miss him.”
“We pray that God grants his soul eternal repose and give his family and people affected by his death the fortitude to bear this loss,” he added. NAN