SWAN Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke, Temisan Okomi, Calls Loss ‘Monumental’ to Nigerian Sports Journalism

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed profound grief over the deaths of two prominent figures in Nigerian sports journalism, Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Temisan Okomi, describing their passing as a monumental loss to both the media industry and the nation’s sporting community.

In a statement issued by Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin paid glowing tributes to the late journalists, highlighting their immense contributions to the growth and professionalism of sports reporting in Nigeria.

“The deaths of Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Temisan Okomi represent a painful and irreplaceable loss to the Nigerian sports media family. These were men who dedicated their lives to telling the stories of our athletes, leagues, and sporting heroes with passion, integrity, and excellence,” he said.

Temisan Okomi, a seasoned broadcaster, died after a brief illness, according to his employer, Classic FM Nigeria. He spent over 12 years with the station, rising to become Head of Sports.

Okomi’s career spanned multiple platforms, including the now-defunct HiTV Nigeria and Lagos Television, where he built a reputation as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in sports broadcasting.

“Okomi was a consummate professional whose voice resonated across the airwaves and into the hearts of sports fans. His dedication, insight, and mentorship inspired a generation of young broadcasters,” Benjamin added.

Meanwhile, Oyeniyi Oyeleke, a former Chairman of SWAN Lagos Chapter, has been laid to rest in Offa, Kwara State. A veteran of the Nigerian Television Authority and SuperSport, he was widely respected for strengthening the association and promoting the welfare and unity of sports journalists.

“Oyeleke was not just a journalist but a leader and builder. His tenure as Lagos SWAN Chairman was marked by purposeful leadership, advocacy for professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the development of sports journalism,” the SWAN president said.

The association extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, particularly within the Lagos chapter of SWAN and their respective media organisations.

“We pray that God grants their souls eternal rest and gives their families the strength to bear these irreparable losses. Their legacies will continue to inspire the next generation of Nigerian sports journalists,” the statement added.

SWAN also urged members of the sports community to honour the memories of the departed by upholding the values of professionalism, dedication, and integrity that defined their careers.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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