Barrister Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youth and Sports has described the late Sports journalist, Jide Fashikun as a warrior and a man who stood for justice.
Barrister Dalung made the remark when he paid a condolence visit to the family at the late Fashikun’s residence in Abuja.
The Minister said that the news of his death which occurred early Sunday morning was devastating and very painful.
“I am yet to come to terms with the truth because the last time I saw Jide, he was full of life.
“Jide was a great man who laid his life for the struggle of a better society. He was a frank human being and was very courageous when it had to do with an issue that he was convinced about. The pen of one of the greatest minds of our time has dried.
“It is a very big challenge but he have to learn to live with it. For the family, I will say that Jide has opted to go to where he was destined to go. All you can do it to take solace in the Lord, be comforted and be strong.”
Dalung praised late Fashikun for the standard he set in investigative journalism and his contributions to sports development in the country.
“He has left a legacy for journalists in Nigeria to step up their professionalism and performance. Jide will continue to live in the hearts of so many Nigerians. We will mourn him and we will celebrate him. May his soul Rest In Peace.” Dalung said.
The Minister also announced that the Sports ministry will be fully represented at the burial which comes up in his hometown in Obot- Aiyegunle, in Ekiti local government of Kwara state on Wednesday January 30 while a service of songs precedes the burial on Tuesday 29th January 2019 at the NUJ Secretariat Utako, Abuja at 4pm.
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Barrister Dalung later signed the condolence register in the company of members of SWAN FCT chapter who also came in their numbers to console with the family.