Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tunde Lemo and the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have mourned Hakeem Akintunde, director of programmes at Ogun State Television (OGTV).
Mr Akintunde died on Thursday at the age of 57 after battling serious health challenges, including kidney-related ailments.
Mr Lemo, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, expressed grief over Akintunde’s death and reflected on his contribution to sports journalism and broadcasting in Ogun State.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde, a veteran sports journalist whose professionalism, dedication and passion for the media and sports defined a remarkable era in Ogun journalism,” he said.
Akintunde was known for his work as a sports broadcaster and commentator on OGTV, where he later became director of programmes.
In that role, he oversaw programming and contributed to sports coverage on the station.
He was also involved in mentoring younger broadcasters within the state’s media space.
Lemo said Akintunde’s role in the broadcasting sector and his guidance to others in the profession had an impact on the media community.
“The late Akintunde’s commitment to the broadcasting craft, his insightful commentary and his mentorship to generations of broadcasters made him a beacon in our media community,” he added.
He noted that Akintunde was buried at Sunnat Muslim Maqbara in Abeokuta, marking the end of his career in broadcast journalism.
Similarly, the chairman of the NUJ in Ogun State, Wale Olarenwaju, in a statement signed by the secretary, Bunmi Adigun, described Akintunde as “a walking encyclopedia of sports history” whose enthusiasm made every match notable.
“While we have lost a pillar and the silence on the airwaves is profound, we take solace in the incredible legacy he leaves behind,” the statement read.
“Alhaji Hakeem lived a life of purpose and impact. His contributions to the Ogun State media landscape are indelible, and his wisdom will continue to guide the many protégés he nurtured throughout his illustrious journey.”
Tunde Lemo extended condolences to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), management and staff of OGTV, colleagues, friends and the family of the deceased.
“May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort all who mourn this loss,” he prayed.
