Lagos SWAN, Sports stakeholders bid Niyi Oyeleke farewell at Night of Tribute

‎Lagos SWAN, Sports stakeholders bid Niyi Oyeleke farewell at Night of Tribute

‎By Admin 

‎The evening of Friday, 1 May, brought together leading sports media practitioners, both serving and retired, to celebrate the life and legacy of Niyi Oyeleke, former Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), at the Media Centre of the National Stadium, Lagos.

‎Beyond the tributes, the event organized by Lagos SWAN provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact and enduring legacy of the veteran sports broadcaster, who passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

‎Among the speakers at the Night of Tribute was retired Assistant Director of Sports at the Nigeria Television Authority, Lagos Network Centre, Chief Paul Ogazi, who played a key role in inspiring Oyeleke’s career in sports broadcasting. Ogazi described the late broadcaster as a passionate and committed professional who gave his all to sports journalism and production as a reporter, presenter, and production manager.

‎Veteran journalist, Charles Anazodo, said broadcasting was not just a profession for Oyeleke but a way of life, noting that he approached each day with enthusiasm and a determination to improve on his previous achievements.

‎A former colleague at NTA, Kanmi-Akere Adeola, said Oyeleke empowered many people and was a leader who recognised and nurtured talent. Reflecting on his passing, she described him as charismatic and larger than life, adding that the news of his death came as a huge shock.

‎Another member of the association, Joe Apu, revealed that as Chairman of Lagos SWAN, Oyeleke played a significant role in the completion of the association’s secretariat, which remains the only secretariat owned by any state chapter of SWAN across Nigeria.

‎Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Gafar Liameed, condoled with the family and members of Lagos SWAN over what he described as an irreparable loss. He noted that Oyeleke was a good man and mentor to many journalists, whose impact on the profession would be greatly missed.

‎Astute sports administrator and President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Col. Samuel Ahmedu (Rtd), described Oyeleke as a thoroughbred professional who ensured balance and depth in his reports and was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done, unlike the internet-dependent journalism that is becoming increasingly common.

‎Speaking on behalf of the family, his nephew, Mohamed Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to Lagos SWAN for organising what he described as a befitting tribute in honour of his uncle. He added that Oyeleke’s impact on family, friends, and colleagues would make him difficult to forget.

‎Lagos SWAN also expressed appreciation to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, and former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association and First Vice President of the NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, for their support towards the success of the event.

‎Oyeleke, who hailed from Offa, began his media career at the Nigeria Television Authority, Lagos, before becoming the first Production Manager of SuperSport Nigeria.