Sports

Family of Late Kola Omoniyi Expresses Gratitude to Lagos SWAN, Appeals for Compensation From Afro Sport

Published

1 year ago

January 9, 2025

Editor

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.

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.

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

6 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.