The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed shock and sadness over the death on Sunday morning in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja of renowned sports journalist, Olajide Fashikun.
The NFF learnt from sources close to the late Fashikun that he died at a federal hospital in Abuja on Sunday morning.
On behalf of the entire Nigerian Football family, the NFF prays that God Almighty will grant the soul of the departed Olajide Fashikun eternal rest in His bosom, and also grant those he has left behind including his immediate family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Also Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has described the death as colossal to Journalism and the Sports industry.
“It is a very sad day for sports journalists and athletes in the country.
“Jide created a platform to support athletes and stimulate performance through his mobilization of training funds to assist athletes. This made us look forward to a better podium performance in the years ahead.
Today, the curtains have been drawn on that project.”
Barrister Dalung paid glowing tribute to the publisher of Gong News who excelled not only in sports reportage but also politics and investigative writing.
“Jide was a dedicated journalist who went far to uphold the truth. He was a fighter, fearless, thorough and an epitome of investigative journalism while contributing immensely to grassroots sports development . His love for grassroots sports informed his personal effort to raise funds for athletes to train with and prepare for future Olympic Games. Now, Jide is gone. I pray that God will receive him and give his wife and family the fortitude to bear this loss.”