The remains of the late former Chairmen of Kwara SWAN, Olajide Ayodeji Fashikun was yesterday committed to mother earth in his country home, Obbo-Aiyegunle, in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
Late Fashikun, who was until his demise, the Managing Editor of Gongnews, an online news outfit died in the early hours of Sunday, at the Federal Medical centre, Abuja, at the age of 53.
In his sermon during the burial attended by family, extended family, retired and active athletes as well as his colleagues in the pen pushing trade from far and near, the officiating minister, Most Apostle Prophet Johnson Ahmed Musa of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Obbo-Aiyegunle said that despite his untimely death, he lived a fulfilled and impactful life worthy of been emulated.
While praying God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss, he charged the children to imbibe and sustain the legacies of the deceased, whom he said, touched the lives of many people, going by the testimonies given.
The Kwara state government, represented by the Director of Sports, Mallam Tunde Kazeem, while condoling the family, described late Fashikun as an administrator who lived an exemplary life.
Equally, Ondo state government, represented by the state Commissioner for Sports, Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, while praising the late Fashikun for his efforts at developing sports and youths, supported the family with cash donations, promising more support for the family.
National President of SWAN Honour Sirawoo represented by a National officer of the Association Alloy Chukwuemeka described the deceased as a courageous, workaholic and a freedom fighter, who always stood by truth and justice.
FCT SWAN boss Mr Chidoka Ndubueze Okwuchukwu said the late Fashikun was a strong member of the Association who was not only very active but made impact on members.
Late Fashikun’s partner in the Nigeria Sports Development project, Mary Onyali, an Olympic medalist said that late Fashikun brought her back home from the US to start the project 12 years ago, and vowed to fulfill the dream, despite the demise of Fashikun.
She also announced the bid by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), to give university scholarship to Femi, the 17 year old son of the deceased, even as she pledged her support for the other children.
Late Fashikun was survived by aged mother, wife and four children.
…Kwara SWAN holds candle night procession
The Kwara state chapter of sport writers of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday held a candle night farewell in honor of the late sports Veterans, Olajide Fashikun.
The possession, which took off at the State Library, to Murtala Road, Lajorin Road, Offa Road terminated at the premises of The Herald Newspaper , for sermon and prayer sessions.
In his exhortation, Reverend Father Ralph Ajewole said that the gathering was not for mourning, but for celebrating fidelity, with the way people are talking about the good deeds of the deceased.
Reverend Father Ralph, who said that whatever everybody does will be recorded against him reminded all of what will be said about them when they die.
‘It will come to an end one day, and what they you want people to say about you?
He charged the family to rejoice because people gathered to celebrate late Fashikun, even as he prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Pastor Isaac Bada of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Movement, while praying for the family and others, said that there are reasons for all to thank God for the peaceful demise of the former Sports Editor of The Herald Newspapers.
His sister, Adejoke Bamidele, three of his children, Oluwafemi Olalekan, Ayomikunle Jemimah and Ayoola Comfort joined other family members for the possession that was organized by Kwara SWAN, in conjunction with the three state Media Houses; The Herald, Kwara TV and Radio Kwara.
Meanwhile, the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has announced a university scholarship for the 17-year-old son of the deceased, Oluwafemi Olamilekan.
