Sunny Ojeagbase: A Sports Journalist Par Excellence

The impact of a man’s works speaks even after his departure from earth. This is the story of Dr Sunny Ojeagbase, who developed his love for sport journalism and groomed it into a business venture that has made impact in Nigeria for decades. Hence, his name thrives as the pillar of sports journalism in the country.

Who was Sunny Ojeagbase?

Born on December 31, 1950, Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase, was the founder of Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports. In the times when social media was not prominent, Complete Sports was a go-to tabloid for sports lovers in the country.

Hitherto, he had worked as a sports reporter for several media houses including Herald Newspaper, Daily Times, Concord Newspapers, and The Guardian. In 1984, he founded Sports Souvenir and Complete Football. Hence, they became the first Nigerian sports newspaper and monthly football magazine.

In 1995, he published Complete Sports, a daily sports newspaper. Likewise, Success Digest Magazine, a business establishment guide which are among the most widely read newspapers and magazines in Nigeria.

The Edo State indigene was born in Osogbo, Osun State. Hence, he learnt to speak the Yoruba language fluently. He attended St. James’ Primary School, Osogbo in 1962. Thereafter, he proceeded to be enlisted into the Nigerian Army after working as a printer trainee. He held a Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos.

A man of faith

Ojeagbase was a pastor whose faith was never in doubt. This, he proved when he quit his job at The Guardian to set up his company with little finance.

He wrote in his memoirs: “The first time I deliberately took a faith-based, life-altering decision… was when I boldly decided to start our sports publishing business without a single penny in my bank account. Before then, I had tried every method I knew to raise capital for the business. But none of them worked.

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“Then, in October 1984, I was confronted with a big hurdle…a hard choice. The choice was either I kept my sports editor job and adjusted to receiving lesser pay. Or I quit the job and launched the sports publishing business without seed capital. I opted for the latter, putting my faith in God to see me through. It was a risky decision, no doubt. And I almost lost everything because of that single action, including social standing, prestige and self-worth. But in the end, the God I trust proved Himself to be dependable! The publishing business endured all the initial hardship that came its way…”

Eulogies for the trailblazer

President Muhammadu Buhari issued a statement to commiserate with the family of Ojeagbase. The statement read in part, “…he lived by the tenets of the Holy Bible, greatly motivating others to grow spiritually and apply the principles of honesty, fairness, and integrity in business.”

Veteran journalist, Mike Awonyifa wrote, “Ojeagbase, armed with nothing, went to start Sports Souvenir, Nigeria’s first sports newspaper which he was selling with his wife and children at the National Stadium, Surulere, during big matches. Hence, God blessed him and the business grew, leading to Complete Sports and the array of international sports magazines… making him the undisputed King of Nigeria’s Sport Journalism.”

Ojeagbase was the author of How to Make It in Nigeria – Building Your Wealth from Ground Floor Up; and How to Bullet Proof Yourself from Poverty, Ideas – The Starting Point of All True Riches.

He died on February 26, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia after a brief illness. He was aged 71. Service of songs will hold on March 31 in Lagos. Meanwhile, his remains will be interred in Georgia, United States on April 1, 2022. He was survived by his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Esther Ojeagbase, children, and grandchildren.

A sports journalist par excellence, he was. Truly.