The family of the late Kolawole Aderemi Omoniyi, a renowned Nigerian cameraman, has expressed its deepest gratitude to the Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the entire sports fraternity in the state for their unwavering support during their time of grief.
Kolawole Omoniyi tragically lost his life while on official duty to cover an AFCON qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom Star. He was attacked by a suspected IPOB group in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria.
Despite a swift response by a rescue team of the Nigerian Army through a Save Our Soul (SOS) triggered by the Lagos SWAN to the relevant security authorities, especially the Defence Headquarters, the late Omoniyi succumbed to the cold hands of death.
Lagos SWAN, led by Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, provided immense support to the family during the burial ceremony, including a donation to help with the funeral expenses and immortalisation through the construction of a befitting tomb. The family members said they are deeply grateful for this kindness.
The letter, signed by Babajide Adisa Omoniyi on behalf of the family, reads: “The Family of Late Kolawole Aderemi Omoniyi uses this medium to say a big thank you to the entire Sport Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, for your love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
“We also want to especially thank you all for your generous donation, which has helped lift the burden off our shoulders. It means so much to us to have your support.
“Your sympathy and kind words of condolence are a great comfort to us as we grieve our father’s death.
“Thank you for honouring our Father by attending the funeral service and we pray that Almighty God bless and protect you all.
“We also want to use this medium to say a big thank you to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja and the Chief of Defence Staff for their active role during and after the unfortunate incident.”
The family, however, appealed to Afro Sport, the organization that contracted Kolawole Omoniyi and his team for the coverage of the AFCON match, to provide compensation to the family, particularly to his widow.
Though Afro Sport provided the sum of N1 million for burial arrangements, the family believes that a more substantial compensation is deserved.
“We kindly request that Afro Sport consider our plea and provide the necessary support to help us navigate this difficult time,” said Babajide Adisa Omoniyi.
Meanwhile, Lagos SWAN has also expressed its appreciation to all those who helped recover and exhumed Kolawole Omoniyi’s body from the shallow grave and brought him back to his family.
According to the chairman of Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Oladunni, special appreciation goes to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, GOC 82 Division headed by Maj. Gen. H.T. Dada who authorized and supervised the rescued mission, and Col. A.K. Muhammed (Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Anambra, who led the rescued mission. Brig. Gen. U.A. Lawal, Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, Imo State, who also supported the operations with armoured personnel carriers and other equipment and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State.
