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.

Egyptian footballer Mohamed Shawky, who plays for second-tier club Kafr El Sheikh SC, passed away early on Tuesday after collapsing on the pitch.

Shawky, 29, was participating in his team’s league game against Kazazeen on Wednesday before falling after a sudden heart attack.

The game was cancelled as the intensive trials to cure the player on the pitch failed before moving him to the hospital for further treatment.

The club announced that the player died at 4:00 am due to a cardiac arrest after spending the last few days on a ventilator at the intensive care unit.

The incident has reignited criticism of medical preparedness at Egyptian football stadiums, with fans and analysts questioning whether existing protocols are sufficient.

Shawky’s death comes months after a similar case involving Ahmed Refaat, a 31-year-old player for Modern Future FC and the Egyptian national team. Refaat collapsed during a match in March and died in July after prolonged medical treatment.

Refaat’s death followed years of concerns raised by the 2006 death of Mohamed Abdelwahab, Ahly defender, who collapsed during training. 

Abdelwahab’s death prompted the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to mandate the presence of ambulances and advanced medical equipment at matches.

In a statement on Tuesday, the EFA and the Ministry expressed condolences for Shawky’s family and announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The Ministry said it would take legal action if negligence is found.

-Ahram

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered rescheduling the Federal Executive Council meeting till another date to be announced. This is the sequel to the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. GeneralTaoreed Lagbaja who passed on on Tuesday night.

Tinubu is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Initially scheduled for this Wednesday as usual, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.

President Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.

The President also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.