MEDIA
Let’s Celebrate My Mentor @ 80 !
BY GBOYEGA OKEGBENRO
Today, one of the greatest influences on my sportswriting career, Uncle Fabio (real name, Adesola) Lanipekun turns 80.
It all seems like yesterday when his childhood friend and confidant, my late Oga and first Editor, late Elijah Ayo Ositelu (aka The Arena), set me off to the National Stadium on my pre-hire, test- assignment as a young Sports Reporter for Punch Newspapers in August 1983.
It was a boxing assignment and Arena, after the preliminary rookie reporter review protocols in his office, tucked his call card into my hand, with a short note on the back, to give to “Mr. Fabio Lanipekun” at NTA Sports portacabin office.
Time was 4pm. thereabout and I was to watch two key bouts of a rigorous pre-1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games national boxing selection trials; and race back to Onipetesi with a report for the next day’s publication.
I got to his office in a jiffy but Uncle Fabio was very busy. After about 20 minutes wait, I was restless and sweating in the well- ventilated reception.
I soon walked up to late Uncle Yinka Craig as he was about to drive out in his Honda Civic car.
I introduced myself and my mission in their office. YC took me straight to Uncle Fabio’s office and instantly, he asked one of the junior staff to take me to the sports hall and hand me over to late Walter Oyatogun who was Announcer and Media Coordinator at the trials.
I got my job done, raced back to Punch; my report made the next day’s second edition and pronto……the journey started.
In his typical humane and youth-friendly style, I soon became one of Uncle Fabio’s favorite “aburos” in the then sportscity.
Over time, I got so close to Uncle Fabio and learnt invaluable skills and insights from his deep knowledge of ALL SPORTS.
Though a tv supremo, he was such an avid reader that would note and point out every wrong point, logic or perspective in your newspaper reports. The boys loved that aspect of him to bits !
Uncla Fabio’s passion was teaching, encouraging and “spoiling” us his younger colleagues, especially on foreign trips where, every evening after work, he relished telling us stories of past historic sports events he covered in different parts of the world; challenges encountered; triumphs; frightening flight experiences; and of course, his tireless and generous indulgences of our culinary and gulping appetite .
My prayer today as our very resourceful, likeable amd generous Oga, the great Uncle Fabio Lanipekun, the Iroko of Sports TV Broadcasting in Nigeria, turns 80, is that God Almighty continues to uphold and bless him with good health and abundant happiness.
Happy birthday Sire and thanks for EVERYTHING !!!
In a disturbing development highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in North Africa, French sports reporter Christophe Gleizes has been sentenced to seven years in prison by an Algerian court for simply doing his job.
Gleizes, a contributor to acclaimed French publications So Foot and Society, was convicted on Sunday, June 29, by the Tizi Ouzou court on charges of “apology for terrorism” and “possession of publications intended to spread propaganda that harms the national interest.” An immediate arrest warrant was issued.
The verdict has sparked outrage in press freedom circles and sports journalism communities, as observers label the trial as politically motivated and devoid of credible evidence.
Gleizes, co-author of the investigative book Magique Système, which explores the exploitation of African footballers, had travelled to Algeria in spring 2024 to research a story on JS Kabylie—one of the country’s most storied football clubs from the 1980s. He was also preparing a tribute to the late Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebossé, who died under mysterious circumstances after a match in Algeria in 2014.
His arrest on May 28, 2024, was reportedly linked to past online exchanges (from 2015 and 2017) with a local football club figure associated with the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK), a group banned in Algeria. However, his 2024 interactions were reportedly limited strictly to football-related inquiries for his feature on JSK.
For over a year, Gleizes had been trapped in Algeria under judicial supervision, barred from leaving the country—a form of de facto house arrest. Now, with a harsh prison sentence handed down, the case is seen as yet another blow to press freedom in Algeria, particularly for journalists covering sensitive issues, even in sports.
Many in the football and media world are calling for Gleizes’ immediate release, condemning what they describe as the criminalisation of journalism and the silencing of free expression under the guise of national security.
The case raises fresh concerns about the increasingly hostile environment for international journalists in the region—even those covering the beautiful game.
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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially unveiled the commemorative logo for its 60th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the Association’s illustrious journey since its establishment in 1964.
The body was founded on February 1, 1964, when a group of journalists met in Lagos. The founding leaders who met at the Broad Street Lagos offices of Daily Times elected Adebayo Thompson of Morning Post as their founding chairman.
Babington Bakare was elected as the vice chairman. The founding secretary was Maurice Domboh of West African Pilot while the treasurer was Ishola Folorunsho of the Radio Nigeria. Cyril Kappo of Daily Times was the inaugural assistant secretary while Ajibade Fashina-Thomas of Daily Times was the publicity secretary.
The ex-officio members were Peter Osugo (Daily Times) and Sola Oluwole of Daily Express.
In reality, SWAN will be celebrating 60 years plus one. According to a press statement by the national executive of SWAN, the unveiling of the anniversary logo signals the beginning of a series of activities lined up to celebrate six decades of outstanding contributions to sports journalism, development, and advocacy in Nigeria.
The logo, creatively designed in vibrant green and white, proudly incorporates the figure “60” and the SWAN emblem — a reflection of the Association’s legacy and enduring impact in the sporting landscape of the country.
A ribbon bearing the inscription “Years Anniversary” boldly affirms the significance of the diamond jubilee.
SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin described the unveiling as a symbolic moment of pride, reflection, and rededication.
“As we unveil this logo, we are not just celebrating the past 60 years, but also reigniting our collective commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the promotion of sports through responsible journalism,” he stated.
He added that the anniversary celebration will feature a rich lineup of activities, including awards, public lectures, media games, recognition of sports icons and veterans, as well as a gala night to honour distinguished personalities who have supported SWAN’s mission over the years.
The three-day anniversary event will be held in October, aligning with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
The 60th anniversary comes as SWAN intensifies its role in shaping narratives around sports governance, policy, and inclusive participation across all levels.
Members of the media, partners, stakeholders, and the general public are enjoined to join in the celebration of this historic achievement and support the Association’s vision for the future.
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Dr Patrice Motsepe, who was returned unopposed as CAF president on Wednesday in Cairo, has had his first term in office documented.
According to the CAF publication, Motsepe will build on the extensive progress he made during his first term to make African Football globally competitive.
Dr Motsepe’s objective when he first took office in March 2021 was to make African Football self-sustaining and drive growth in several different spheres. The last four years have seen CAF move its development agenda forward at pace with many historic firsts.
These achievements are contained in a publication to mark Dr Motsepe’s first four years as President, titled, ‘The Growth and Success of African Football Continues’, which media can download here
The magazine walks us through Dr Motsepe’s 10-point plan when he took office, and the wide-ranging advances that have been made towards reaching and surpassing his objectives.
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