Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Ministry of Information and Culture has expressed sadness over the death of veteran sports journalist, Akinloye Oyebanji.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Grace Isu-Gepke, condoled with the management of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the family of Oyebanji in a condolence letter addressed to the Director-General of the NTA, Mallam Yakubu Ibn Mohammed.
The Chief Press Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Joe Mutah, in a statement made available to our correspondent in Abuja stated that Isu-Gepke said Oyebanji excelled in the field of sports and displayed uncommon enthusiasm and passion during his meritorious service to the station, which spanned over three decades.
“I received the news of his death with shock and profound sadness. His death has definitely robbed Nigeria of one of its finest sports journalists, who would be remembered for the enthusiasm and passion he exuded while discharging his duties.
“Mr Oyebanji was a role model and a quintessential reporter, who acquainted himself creditably as a sports journalist and commentator. His sudden death is a monumental loss not only to his family and the sports industry but to Kwara State and the nation in general,” Isu-Gepke said.
Gekpe further urged the Oyebanji family to take solace in the fact that the sports veteran lived an exemplary life of service to the nation, which was worthy of emulation.
Gekpe prayed God for the repose of the soul of Oyebanji and also grant his family, friends and colleagues, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.