- Immortalize Lanipekun, says SWAN
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council deeply mourns the demise of ace Sports Commentator, Fabio Lanipekun.
We received the news of the death of Lanipekun with a rude shock.
It will be recalled that the deceased celebrated his 80th birthday five days ago.
We felt very sad because we had yet to recover from the pain of the loss of another erudite veteran Sports Journalist, Sunny Ojeagbase.
The NUJ Chairman Adeleye Ajayi, and Secretary General Tunde Olalere respectively, in a statement said Lanipekun won the hearts of many Nigerians especially sports lovers with his unique style of sports commentary.
We will miss his expertise in sports journalism but we take solace in the fact that he made a good mark and legacies for others on the sports beat to emulate.
We pray that God will console family, friends and relations including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) family where Lanipekun served meritoriously.
We also commiserate with the Executive members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter, over these two big losses.
In a related development, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called on the Federal Governor to immortalize Fabio Olanipekun.
The Chairman of the most vibrant chapter of the association, Debo Oshundun stated this in a statement issued by the SWAN Secretary Bunmi Ogunyale shortly after the demise of the revered journalist on Sunday.
According to him, Late Fabio’s feat in sports writing and development in Nigeria deserves all commendations and be accorded all respect.
“He was an hero and should be honoured even in death.
“We appeal to the Federal Government and the Lagos State government to immortalize Late Fabio, just as they did with ace commentators, Ishola Folorunsho and Ernest Okonkwo by naming a section of the Teslim Balogun Stadium after them.”
Despite dropping his pen at 80, Oshundun commended the veteran sport journalist’s contributions saying his advice will be missed in the pen pushing profession.
“Pa Fabio was one of those we run to for advices and now that he’s gone we are going to miss him deeply.
“He left a big shoe that’s very difficult for anybody to step into but we pray for the repose of his soul and also pray for the family at this difficult time,” the Lagos SWAN boss prayed.