Pioneer Sports Editor of The Guardian, Dr. Emmanuel Sunny Ojeagbase, has died at the age of 71. Ojeagbase, who was founder and chairman of Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspapers, SuccessDigest and other online publications, died on Saturday, February 26, 2022 in Atlanta, United States of America (U.S.) after a brief illness.
Ojeagbase, who hailed from Uzebba, Iuleha in Owan West Council of Edo State, was popularly known as Sunny Ojeagbase (or simply ‘S.O.’) before he added Emmanuel to his names.
The deceased broke into national consciousness as pioneer publisher of sports news in Nigeria, when he established Sports Souvenir weekly newspaper in 1984.
He was a retired soldier, who cut his teeth in sports journalism as a stringer with the Daily Times newspapers in the 1970s. Through determination and hard work, Ojeagbase rose quickly and was appointed Sports Editor of Sunday Concord newspapers at inception in 1980 and Sports Editor of The Guardian in 1983. He left The Guardian in 1984 to pursue his dreams.
Ojeagbase, who was ordained as a pastor in March 2003, had a Diploma in Journalism from the University of Lagos, but he was conferred with an honorary Doctorate Degree by a different institution for his accomplishments as an entrepreneur.
He also received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to sports journalism, publishing, business mentorship and entrepreneurship in the country.
Ojeagbase is survived by his wife, Mrs. Esther Ojeagbase, children, grandchildren and many relatives.
