Nigerian media sector has lost one of its stars, Emmanuel Sunny Ojeagbase, founder and executive chairman of Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspapers, SuccessDigest. Thus, tributes have continued to pour on him from people from different walks of life.

Dr. Ojeagbase hailed from Uzebba, Iuleha in Owan West of Edo State. Popularly known as Sunny Ojeagbase (or simply “S.O.”) before he added Emmanuel to his names, the late media entrepreneur broke into national consciousness as the pioneer publisher of sports news in Nigeria when he established Sports Souvenir weekly newspaper in 1984.

Before then, he was a retired soldier of the Nigerian Army who cut his teeth in sports journalism as a stringer at the Daily Times newspapers in the mid-1970s. Through sheer talent, determination and hard work, Ojeagbase blossomed very quickly and was appointed sports editor of Sunday Concord newspapers at inception in 1980 and sports editor of The Guardian newspapers also at inception in 1983. He resigned from The Guardian in 1984 to pursue his dream as an entrepreneur.

Between 1984 and 1994, Ojeagbase introduced several other pioneering sports titles including Complete Football magazine, Complete Football International (CFI) and International Soccer Review (ISR) into the Nigerian sports market. Remarkably, the Complete Football titles played very prominent roles in ensuring Nigeria’s first appearance at the FIFA World Cup at USA 1994 as well as the country’s football Gold medal win at the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games also in the USA. Between those two historic events in Nigerians sports, Ojeagbase introduced Complete Sports as the Number One daily sports newspaper in Nigeria in 1995.

Also in 1994, Ojeagbase co-founded with his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Esther Ojeagbase, the Success Attitude Development Centre (SADC) with a vision and mission to teach young Nigerian entrepreneurs how to start, run and make a success of their businesses. SADC has gone on to produce and inspire thousands of successful entrepreneurs who are protégés of the Ojeagbase’s and many of whom are now employers of labour.

Dr. Ojeagbase was ordained as a Pastor in March 2003 and he preached the message of God in words and in deeds to everyone who encountered him. His mantra was to do business and live life with the fear of God, integrity, compassion and peace of mind. He was a totally self-made man who was passionate about acquiring knowledge as attested to by a huge library filled with books on business management, leadership, entrepreneurship and related fields. He had a Diploma in Journalism from the University of Lagos, but he was conferred with a honorary Doctorate degree by a different institution for his accomplishments as an entrepreneur. He also received tons of awards and recognitions for his contributions to sports journalism, publishing, business mentorship and entrepreneurship.

Pastor Ojeagbase was a rallying point for members of his immediate and extended families and also a benefactor to thousands of people. He created and facilitated breakthrough opportunities and jobs for young journalists and contemporaries alike. His generosity and philanthropy was limitless. He was completely detribalized and, despite being a Pastor, was extremely tolerant and unbiased to people of other faiths. He was a good man at heart and a great man in achievements.

Pastor, Dr. Sunny Emmanuel Ojeagbase is survived by his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Esther Ojeagbase, his children both biological and adopted, as well as grandchildren and other relatives. He will also be sorely missed by friends, mentees and business associates.

Condolence registers have been opened at Complete Sports headquarters at Plot 9, Alhaji Adenekan Street, Okota, Lagos; and at SADC headquarters, No. 36, Esuola Street, Off Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.

Burial arrangements will be announced by the family.

Tributes have started pouring in on Ojeagbase. President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, sent condolences to family, friends and professional associates of founder and Executive Chairman of Complete Communications Ltd, Dr Emmanuel Sunny Ojeagbase, whose vision and diligence transformed sports reporting and inspired a generation of media entrepreneurs.

Moji Danisa, another journalist wrote: “Boss, Teacher, mentor…the one who built the myth around the Queen, is gone. Guys, Sunny Ojeagbase, he, who picked me right from school, discovered and honed my potentials, molded me into a brand, is gone. Nigeria just lost a great man. Journalism has lost one of its finest. May his soul rest in peace.”

Sunday Olufemi Adedeji wrote: “This is a great loss to sports in general and particularly sports journalism in Nigeria. His philanthropy and good heart at nurturing sports and business inclined youths in Nigeria is second to none. His SADC has nurtured so many young millionaires in …

Bisikay Ayedun said: “Fare THEE Well Dear super Publisher…” Yink Omotunde expressed shock: “Haaaa, Business Digest……may your soul find comfort in GOD. Good night sir.

To Olafimihan Abiodun Gbeleyi, Ojeagbase was a great magazine. Adieu S.O. Great Entrepreneur and prolific writer.”

Nigerian, “he revolutionized sports publishing in Nigerian, he diversify into entrepreneural and leadership training, teaching Nigerians how to make wealth from small and medium scale enterprise. His footprints are indelible. Good night S O…

Also Oyeneye Adebowal Oyetola said Pastor Sunny Ojeagbase played a great role in my life, “especially through his Success Digest Magazine. We owe my wife’s first car to one of his several investment ideas which we got from his investment ideas.