Mr. Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youth and Sports has expressed shock over the death of Dream team’s Media Officer Timi Ebikagboro, who died in the early hours of Friday in Warri, Delta state.
He described his death as another devastating blow to sports especially the sports writing and broadcasting industry.
Dalung while paying tribute to Ebikagboro for his doggedness amongst other sterling qualities required of a journalist recalled their brief meeting in Rio during the 2016 Olympic Games.
“He was the Media Officer of the team and he did his job with great passion. We met briefly in Manaus, Brazil and he did his job professionally and relentlessly till the end.
“Only two months ago, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria lost Eddie Bekom, another prominent member and now Timi. We can’t question God. We ask for the repose of his gentle soul ” the Minister said.
Dalung took time to commiserate with his immediate and extended family members, the Nigeria Football Federation, the Delta State Broadcasting Service, Delta Football Association and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.
He advised his loved ones to take solace in the fact that despite his sudden demise, he did his best to make an impact on his immediate environment.
The Minister who noted the close affinity between the late journalist and Nigerian football lamented the sad mood in the football fraternity days before the 2018 World Cup qualifiers between Zambia and Nigeria in Uyo.
“This tragic loss has left a sour taste in our mouths ahead of the game against Zambia next month. The death is a loss to us all. We will continue to mourn Ebikagboro who contributed to the development of grassroots sports in Delta state especially the state’s football team, Warri Wolves”.
He enjoined the Delta state government to lend support to the young family he left behind and give a befitting burial to the former Warri Wolves FC media officer.
Timi Ebikagboro was the Head of Sports, Delta State Broadcasting Service before his death.
