OBITUARY

Swindon FC pay glowing tributes to Titus Okere, last survivor of Nigeria’s 1949 UK Tourists

Published

1 year ago

July 5, 2023

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The remains of Titus Okere, the last of the 18 UK Tourists players has been laid to rest at the Bluebell Hill crematorium in Kent, in United Kingdom. According to his granddaughter, Frances Okere, “it was a lovely service. Swindon Town paid tribute to him and sent him a tie.”

Swindon Town FC was the first club that Okere played for when he joined in February 1953 as Nigeria’s first player to sign a professional football contract.

Frances also informed that: “My Nigerian family mentioned my grandad played a friendly against Brazil and there’s some video footage of it.”

Tribute by Swindon Town FC

A customized tie sent to Titus Okere family by Swindon Town FC

The high point of the funeral was the tribute paid by Swindon Town FC. It runs thus:

“Although he only made a few first-team appearances for Swindon Town. he was held in the highest regard by supporters and colleagues of the club alike.

“He had come to the club’s attention when he toured England with the Nigerian international team An outside left, he was nicknamed “the golden boy- because of his ability to create chances out of nothing.

“The credit for signing him for Swindon must go to Mr Louis Page. the manager. He was obviously keen to sign him as in January, two Board Meetings received reports on whether or not he would arrive by January 20th before he managed to get to this country and sign on in February as a twenty-five-year-old.

“It was typical of his sunny personality that he never complained about. not always being given a first-team chance. Swindon had a notoriously heavy pitch and it would have been impossible to wear the light footwear that he had worn playing for the Nigerian national team playing on it.

“One wonders if the light, flexible boots of today had been around. he might have been able to adapt in a way that the high, stiff leather boots worn at the time prevented.

“It is sad to report that a television company had asked for permission to be allowed to film Titus making a demonstration of how to play in bare feet, but the request was refused.

“Evidently, the Board, if not the manager, were adamant about not having a player not wearing conventional footwear.

“Another thing that may have affected his performance was the absence of his wife. He requested but was refused help in enabling his wife to come over to England. The Minute on this matter was to the effect that Titus would have to prove himself on the pitch first.

“One wonders if had the request been granted, he might have felt more wanted and been willing to accept that he could make a home for his family in this country and that it would be worthwhile to have to get used to wearing football boots.

“Despite only being a few months, he was on Swindon’s books: those who saw him in the reserves talk of a very quick and elusive winger who frequently got the better of his full-back but whose centres were not always capitalised on.

“Sadly, it was not enough to convince the directors to retain his services, and he was released on a free transfer on the April retained and released list.

“His appearances in the Swindon reserve team evidently impressed somebody in the Chippenham United camp.

“On leaving Swindon, he was recruited by Chippanharn United, where he made an immediate impact providing a first-minute cross in the opening game of the season that led to a goal. He was also to play in the F.A Cup for Chippenham later in the season.

“At the time of his passing, he was the oldest Swindon player to have played for his country, and although the number of people who saw him play is dwindling, the year of his passing has also seen the launch of a Swindon Town Football Museum, which will ensure his memory as a great

Ambassador for his country and skillful player is kept alive.”

OBITUARY

Olopade Mourns Demise of Veteran Journalist Dapo Sotuminu

Published

19 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist and communications expert, Dapo Sotuminu.

Reflecting on the loss, Olopade described Sotuminu as more than a journalist: “Dapo and I share a long-standing working relationship.

“He was not just a journalist; he was a brother and a friend to me, a workaholic whose contributions to this industry will never be forgotten. His dedication and unparalleled work ethic have left an indelible mark on the sports sector.”

Sotuminu, a respected media professional, was known for his impactful work in advancing sports marketing and journalism.

Olopade mourning the magnitude of this loss, stated, “Why now, Dapo! We had great things to do together. You’re a rare gem. Words fail to capture the devastation of this loss.”

The late journalist’s legacy in sports media remains a testament to his dedication and passion, and his contributions will continue to inspire professionals in the industry.

OBITUARY

Lagos SWAN mourns loss of veteran journalist, Dapo Sotuminu

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN) has again been thrown into a mourning state with the tragic demise of one of its vibrant members, Dapo Sotuminu, who died on Wednesday morning after a brief illness.

According to the Lagos SWAN chairman, Debo Oshundun, “This is a loss that strikes the heart of the association and serves as a painful reminder of the toll taken on the journalism and sports community. Sotuminu’s untimely departure is a case of one too many as we battle with the death of another member, Adeyinka Adebayo. This will surely leave an indelible mark on Lagos SWAN and its members.”

Oshundun described him as a consummate professional and passionate journalist because he would always be ready to stand and be counted when called.

While reminiscing on his life and time, he said Sotuminu was dedicated and committed to excellence and professionalism. The Lagos SWAN chairman said these were evident throughout his illustrious career.

He rose from a cub reporter to serve as the Deputy Sports Editor at New Telegraph Newspaper, Sports Editor at Compass Newspaper, Director of Communication with the Nigeria Women Football League, and Media Director for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

The association affirmed that beyond Sotuminu’s professional achievements, he was also a visionary who championed grassroots sports development through the Victor Ikpeba 5-Aside Tournament and as the Director General for Sports at the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos.

The Lagos SWAN family extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues left behind, as his legacy in sports journalism and sports development will never be forgotten.

OBITUARY

NFF mourns demise of veteran journalist, Dapo Sotuminu

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Nigeria Football Federation has commiserated with the family of veteran journalist, Dapo Sotuminu, who died in Lagos on Wednesday morning after a brief illness.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said: “This is really shocking. I have known Dapo for more than two decades and have always been impressed with his zest for thoroughness and of course, his passion for women’s football from the beginning of the game in Nigeria.

“Words are not enough to describe his stature as a professional and someone who showed immense respect and regard to fellow professionals and other human beings. We pray that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest, and also grant his family, friends and the sports-writing fraternity the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

Reports said the dedicated and resilient journalist gave up the ghost at the hospital to which he was rushed after he suddenly fell ill at home.

Sotuminu, a sapient and prolific professional for the several decades he was in the trade, worked at, among other media houses, TNT Newspapers (Deputy Sports Editor), New Telegraph Newspapers (Deputy Sports Editor) and Compass Newspapers (Sports Editor).

Suave, self-effacing and gifted with boundless energy, Dapo Sotuminu also served as the Director of Communications of Nigeria Women Football League and Media Director of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.