The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos Chapter have described the death of veteran broadcaster, Mr. Fabio Lanipekun as a great loss to the country.
The late broadcaster died on Sunday barely four days he marked his 80th birthday which was widely celebrated by family and friends.
A statement signed by Adeleye Ajayi and Tunde Olalere, chairman and secretary of the NUJ Lagos Council respectively says the journalist union “received the news of the death of Lanipekun with a rude shock.
“We felt very sad because we had yet to recover from the pain of the loss of another erudite veteran Sports Journalist, Sunny Ojagbaese.
“Lanipekun won the hearts of many Nigerians especially sports fans 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.
Meanwhile, Debo Oshundun-led Lagos SWAN urged the Federal Government to immortalize the doyen of Sportscasting in Nigeria, Late Fabio Lanipekun.
The Chairman of the most vibrant chapter of sports journalists association in Nigeria, Oshundun stated in a statement signed by the secretary of the chapter, Bunmi Ogunyale early on Monda that, the late Fabio’s feat in sports writing and development in Nigeria deserves all commendations and be accorded all respect.
“He was a hero and should be honored 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 the ripe age of 80, Oshundun commended the veteran sports journalist’s contributions, saying his advice will be missed in the pen-pushing profession.
“Pa Fabio was one of those we run to for advice 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.
 Lagos State Council and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos Chapter have described the death of veteran broadcaster, Mr. Fabio Lanipekun as a great loss to the country.){kind=link}