The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the Delta
State Football Association and the sporting fraternity have learnt with great
sadness of the death of former Special Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on
sports, Steve Cole.
Steve Cole, who was also the immediate past Vice
Chairman Delta State Football Association died in the early hours of Sunday in
Benin City during a brief illness.
The President of the AthIetics Federation of Nigeria
(AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, who worked with the late sports personality was
close to tears when the news of Steve Cole’s death reached him.
“It came as a rude shock to me. I am deeply saddened
and shocked to learn of the death of Mr Steve Cole, I’m short of words, a very
sad day and reality for me and myriads from the football and sports family who
came across this late consummate sports administrator.
“Steve was a complete and passionate sports
personality, he gave his all in any capacity he was privileged to serve Delta
State and the nation, we will surely miss dearly,” Okowa the former Chairman of
Delta State Sports Commission lamented.
“To the football fraternity Mr Steve Cole, a father of
three lovely boys and a beloved wife was a pillar and an asset to Delta State
Football Association because of his immense contribution to the game through
his moral, financial and upto date advise.”
“Through his advise as Special Adviser on sports to
former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr Cole help set the pace to develop Delta State
Sports and football in particular by giving practical, proactive and positive
advise that helped lift the quality of the sports in Delta which other States
of the Federation also tapped into.” Chief Okowa added.
Over the past decades Mr Steve Cole who has served in
various capacity, including the National Youth Games has been an advisor to
many sports Associations, before and during many major competitions.
Chief Tonobok Okowa who is also a Vice President of
the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), stated that, “We shall always
remember Mr Steve Cole as a humble, patriotic, wise and passionate football
enthusiast and media professional who dedicated his life to raising the
standards of football in Delta State and sports in general across the country.”
“May God Almighty touch and sustain the bereaved
family, friends and associates during this period of grief and may the soul of
the one we affectionately called ‘Colinko’ —Mr Steve Cole, rest in eternal
peace, ” said Okowa.
Detailed programme of his funeral will be communicated
later by the family.
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