Exactly four days after the sports community celebrated his 80th birthday, the foremost sports broadcaster, Fabio Lanipekun has died.
Born as AdesolaLanipekun, he adopted the name ‘Fabio’ from a novel he read while he was a student at the Methodist Boys High School in Lagos.
The demise of the respected journalist was confirmed by an official of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) close to the family.
Last week, the late Lanipekun was celebrated by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on his 80th birthday
The minister described the veteran broadcaster as a leading light in television reportage and production as well as a pioneer sports commentator.
“Uncle Fabio, as we fondly call him, inspired many people and endeared Nigerians to sports broadcasting and live commentaries in his active years. His voice was unmistakable, his passion infectious and his command flawless. We thank God for his life. I believe he will still be around for many more years,” the Minister said.
The late Lanipekun was the head of sports at NTA headquarters for many years and also served as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).