NAN-S-24
Condolence
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, July 17, 2017 (NAN) The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung on Monday joined millions of sports lovers around the world to mourn the death of Nigeria’s veteran sports writer, Eddie Bekom.
Dalung, in a statement signed by Nneka Ikem-Aniebze, his Special Assistant on Media, said the news of Bekom’s death was painful and unfortunate
He said, ”I join the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Association of International Press (AIPS), to mourn the tragic death of SWAN’s South-South Vice-President Eddie Bekom.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the veteran sports journalist died on July 16, following third degree burns he sustained from a ghastly gas explosion in his home, Ikom, Cross River.
He died alongside with other member of his family.
Dalung said he wondered why such an ugly incident befell Bekom’s family which lost three of its family members to the fire.
He said three other family members were still battling for their lives at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakiliki.
“Sometimes when we ponder over the brevity of human life, we are left with so many unanswered questions.
‘’This is a sad development for everybody with human feeling. Three family members gone in a swipe!
“We can only pray for God to grant the souls of the departed perfect peace in his bosom.
‘’This tragic incident has left many in shock,’’ he said.
Dalung called on Nigerians not to relent in their prayers and support in every way possible to ensure that those still alive get the best medical attention to ensure their survival.
“We still have the opportunity to save 2 of Eddie’s surviving children and also an in-law with our prayers and support in cash and kind.
“We must stay true to them to ensure that no further lives are lost,’’ he said.
Dalung called on the Cross River Government, which the late Bekom was working with for until the sad incident, to provide the needed assistance for the surviving family members. (NAN)
DE/DOR/DUA
Edited by Nyisom Dore/Dada Ahmed