The family of the late Kolawole Aderemi Omoniyi, a distinguished Nigerian cameraman, has extended their heartfelt appreciation to the Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the wider sports community for their steadfast support following their tragic loss.

Kolawole Omoniyi, who was on official duty covering an AFCON qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, tragically lost his life in an attack by a suspected IPOB group in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria.

Despite a rapid response by a Nigerian Army rescue team, triggered by a Save Our Soul (SOS) request from Lagos SWAN to the Defence Headquarters and other security agencies, Omoniyi succumbed to his injuries.

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In the wake of this devastating incident, Lagos SWAN, under the leadership of Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, provided invaluable support to the Omoniyi family during the funeral, including a generous donation to help cover funeral expenses and assistance in immortalizing the late cameraman through the construction of a befitting tomb. The family expressed profound gratitude for these acts of kindness.

In a letter signed by Babajide Adisa Omoniyi, on behalf of the family, they stated:

“The family of Late Kolawole Aderemi Omoniyi wishes to express our deepest thanks to the entire Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, for your love, prayers, and unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time. We are deeply touched by your generosity and the care you’ve shown our family.”

“Your donation has alleviated a great burden, and we are sincerely grateful for the financial assistance that has helped us during this time of grief. Your kind words of condolence have also been a source of great comfort to us as we mourn the loss of our beloved father.”

“We also wish to extend our thanks to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their prompt response and active role both during and after the tragic incident.”*

The Omoniyi family also expressed their appreciation to the Lagos SWAN for honoring their late father by attending the funeral service, a gesture that provided great solace during this painful time.

Family Appeals for Compensation from Afro Sport

The family has, however, appealed to Afro Sport, the organization that contracted Kolawole Omoniyi and his team for the coverage of the AFCON match, to provide compensation, particularly to his widow. While Afro Sport offered a sum of N1 million for burial arrangements, the family believes that a more substantial compensation is deserved, given the circumstances of Omoniyi’s tragic death.

“We kindly request that Afro Sport consider our plea and provide the necessary support to help us navigate this difficult time,” said Babajide Adisa Omoniyi, on behalf of the family.

Meanwhile, Lagos SWAN has also expressed its deep appreciation to all those involved in recovering and exhuming Kolawole Omoniyi’s body from the shallow grave and returning him to his family.

According to the chairman of Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Oladunni, special appreciation goes to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, GOC 82 Division headed by Maj. Gen. H.T. Dada who authorized and supervised the rescued mission, and Col. A.K. Muhammed (Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Anambra, who led the rescued mission. Brig. Gen. U.A. Lawal, Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, Imo State, who also supported the operations with armoured personnel carriers and other equipment and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State.