It Was Emotional When Lagos Sports Family Remembered Late Deji Tinubu At A Memorial Symposium
SUNDAY AKINTOYE
After two years that former Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, the late Deji Tinubu passed on, family, friends and relations of deceased gathered together on Wednesday to pay tribute to Tinubu who was described as a generous person and committed to his works for humanity.
The Lagos State Sports Commission organised the 2nd Deji Tinubu Memorial Symposium titled Sports As A Tool For Youth Engagement & Social Orientation to celebrate the life of the deceased who had committed to sports development during his life time.
Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Shola Aiyepeku described Tinubu as a sports loving person who had vision for sports in Lagos before he died. He said the deceased had touched many lives especially those who were needy. He described Tinubu as a down to earth generous person who could give his resources to make people happy.
“Tinubu is a man of many parts. He was passionate about sports and he was ready to give his best to get result when it comes to sports. When he was the Special Adviser on Sports to the Governor in Lagos State, he had used his good office to put smiles on the faces of people. Aside this, he had helped many athletes on scholarship where many of them today are graduate of their chosen career. Deji Tinubu was loved by many people because he was ready to listen to you and before you talked. His death was a big blow to many of us and his soul will continue to rest in peace,” he said.
The founder of Brila FM who doubles as the Guest Speaker, Larry Izamoje said Deji Tinubu had delivered when he the Special Adviser in Lagos. He said the deceased was very humbled and sought for advice before taking decisions.
“Deji Tinubu was a gentleman to the core. We usually spoke on phone on several occasions concerning sports and he was a person that respected the opinions and advice of others. One can emulate his life style because he was a good administrator when he was alive,” he said.
A former African athletic champion, Yusuf Ali described Tinubu as a great man, adding that his legacy will live forever. He said Tinubu did not discriminate and related with people to know their challenges and plights.
“ I will continue to miss him because he has lived an exemplary life as a sports administrator. I think we can emulate his life style because he had done well in area of sports when he was alive,” he said.
Wife of deceased, Yemisi Tinubu described her late husband as a man of many parts. She said that aside sports, he was involved in other humanitarian work which many people benefited from him
She said many youths benefited from him. She said sports is a catalyst for rapid development and urged the youths to channel their energies to sports instead of involving in social vices that may ruin their lives
Chairman of Sportswriters Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Debo Oshundun said the late Tinubu has built the legacy that other sports administrators should follow. He said Tinubu had given his best and prayed for the family of the deceased that God should give them the fortitude to bear the loss.