The family of late Fabio Lanipekun has expressed appreciation over the show of love by members of the public, extended family members and friends since the sports journalist died last month.
Lanipekun, fondly called the Grandmaster, passed away on March 6. He was aged 80.
His remains were laid to rest in Ikoyi, Lagos, on April 28.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Very Rev. Olayiwola Olojo of City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere as admonishing mourners to always live lives worthy of being called Christians.
Olojo, in the funeral sermon, urged people to always serve their creator with all their time and resources as that was man’s purpose on earth.
Mr Oluwashola Lanipekun, the first son of the deceased, who spoke with NAN on his late father, described him as a “fun-loving person who loved sports and live his life for it”.
He said that he would really miss him as he (father) taught him values of hard work.
“My father was among the first sports broadcasters in the country. He was one of the few Nigerian media practitioners that specifically trained in sports jounalism.
“He impacted and interacted with a lot of generations in sports broadcasting. I hope his legacy will be upheld and they will continue to get the world informed on sports around the globe.”
The deceased’s daughter, Tunmi, described her father as a wonderful person and a mentor to.many sports broadcasters.
“I grew up as daddy’s girl and he was always looking out for me even when I became an adult.
“His job took him around the world and we were always sure to get some lovely gifts from him whenever he returned after such trips.”
Dr. Waheed Olagunju, a former National Television Authority staffer, said that Lanipekun would always be remembered for his knack for knowledge.
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“He (deceased) was an encyclopedia of sports in Nigeria and mentored a lot of sports enthusiasts.
“His legacies will live forever and plans are underway to immortalise him,” he said.
