SWAN, Sports Minister, NFF Mourn Late Journalist Ace Segun Ogunjimi
By Amaechi Agbo
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, FCT; the Ministry of youth and sports as well as the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF have expressed deep sadness over the death of ace sports journalist, Segun Ogunjimi, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report
Segun Ogunjimi died on Wednesday, February 10, 2021
The entire members of SWAN FCT chapter, are still in shock amidst mixed feelings hours after their colleague Segun Ogunjimi died.
In a release Thursday by SWAN FCT chapter it noted that “Ogunjimi, a staff of the Nation and Sporting Life Newspapers who was full of life was said to have slumped inside his house on Wednesday morning, and was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Mararaba, a bubbling suburb outside FCT.
“One after the other, members of the association have been expressing deep sadness in torrents of tributes from Wednesday night,” the release said.
SWAN FCT Chairman Comrade Ndubueze Chidoka who is still visibly shattered said he lacked words to pour out his feelings.
“This is a very sad development. I can’t believe that Segun is no more. I don’t just what to say again. My only prayer is that God almighty should remove any form of grief from us.
“Why must it be Segun, a jovial, loyal and dedicated fellow, full of life and excitement all the time.
“May God grant him eternal rest. May God also give us, family members and all that are close to him the fortitude to bear this huge loss.”
Minister commiserates with SWAN
Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has condoled with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter and the family of Segun Ogunjimi over his death.
The minister through a release from his media department described late Ogunjimi as a zealous and dedicate journalist.
“I received the news of Segun Ogunjimi’s death with utmost shock and sadness in my heart. He was not just a dedicated journalist, but someone I knew personally because of his zeal and commitment to the activities of the Ministry. He was so passionate about his job, full of life and vigour. He was one of the few journalists I took personal note of on assuming office due to his unrivalled professionalism and dedication to duty. I recall that last year he was in my office for my birthday celebration where I granted him an exclusive interview and we took personal pictures.
“It’s so unfortunate that we have lost a great journalist in Segun Ogunjimi, but we cannot question God. I commiserate with his wife, son, extended family and the entire SWAN members on this sad incident. My prayer is that God grants the family and the sports community the fortitude to bear this huge loss. May his soul rest in peace”.
Ogunjimi was a role model – NFF
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF in its message declared that “the Nigeria Football family has once more been thrown into mourning” following the news of the death of Segun Ogunjmi on Wednesday.
Describing late Ogunjimi as a professional and resourceful journalist, NFF noted that he was a role model for aspiring newshounds.
“The Nigerian Football family has once more been thrown into deep mourning following the demise on Wednesday of ace sports journalist Olusegun Ogunjimi of The Nation newspapers stable.
Highly professional, resourceful, humble and diligent, Ogunjimi was widely respected by colleagues, administrators and other stakeholders in the sector, and was a credible role model for aspiring newshounds.
“We lost a very good friend. He was objective and unbiased in his journalism. He cross-checked and balanced his stories before reporting. May God be the guide to those he left behind,’ said NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi.
A veteran of the trade who learnt from some of the very best and imbibed and internalized the good old ethics and tenets of journalism, Ogunjimi served as treasurer of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, FCT chapter and was Liaison Assistant of SWAN President Honour Sirawoo.
He covered several national and international sporting events during his lifetime.
The burial arrangement will soon be announced by the family.