MEDIA
At 50th anniversary of Thunder Balogun’s exit, a book and foundation to be launched on Tuesday
How time flies! It will be 50 years on Saturday since Nigeria’s iconic footballer and coach, Tesilimi Balogun passed on into eternity.
The enduring legacy to this legend is the imposing Teslim Balogun Stadium that the Lagos State Government named after him.
But owing to passage of time, most current football followers may not have known the impact that the pioneer member of the Nigerian national team 73 years ago may have had on Nigerian and international football.
Not many may know how the legend looked like. But all these posers would be answered on Tuesday at the relaunch of a foundation on him and a also a book, the first of its type on a pioneer member of the Nigerian national team.
According to a media release by Comrade Lanre Arogundade, the chairman of the International Press Centre and chairman of the technical committee on the golden jubilee anniversary of the legend, “the launch of a book on the late soccer icon and the re-launch of the Teslim Thunder Balogun Foundation, are among the highlights of the 50th anniversary taking place at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Lagos on Tuesday July 26, 2022. “
Furthermore, in a statement by the Organising and Technical Committee led by Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, is the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour while the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare will declare open the event to be chaired by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arch. Lekan Adegbite.
The statement said there would be a lecture by Chief Adegboye Onigbinde and remarks by the President of NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, a renowned promoter of football and president of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control.
Mr.. Kunle Soname, the CEO of Bet9ija is expected to be the Chief launcher of the book written Kunle Solaja.
Part of the programme would also be dedicated to the memory of Mr.Tunde Tajudeen Balogun, first son of the soccer legend who died at the peak of preparations for the 50th anniversary. A Foundation will equally be launched in his honour.
Renowned for his skills and goals, Thunder Balogun, was the first Nigerian to play professional football in thr United Kingdom. He died in July 1972 at the age of 42.
Veteran sports journalist Mumini Alao is set to unveil his much-anticipated autobiography on August 10 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with a distinguished lineup of guests from Nigeria’s political and sports spheres expected to grace the occasion.
The event, which will take place at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall in Akoka, will serve as both a celebration of Alao’s illustrious career spanning over three decades and a platform for engaging national discourse on sports development.
A public lecture titled “Rethinking the Current Football Business Model in Nigeria as a Catalyst for Sports Development” will accompany the launch.
Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, will deliver the keynote address, while Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), will chair the occasion.
Kabiru Amadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, will co-launch the book, and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau, is billed as a special guest.
Mumini Alao, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected sports journalists, is currently Executive Consultant at Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspaper. He previously served as Group Managing Director of the company.
Alao holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Mass Communication from UNILAG and is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) as well as an associate of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).
In 2023, he was inducted into the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (CiArb), reflecting his broader professional footprint.
The book launch promises to be a landmark gathering, bringing together thought leaders to reflect on Alao’s journey and the broader trajectory of Nigerian sports.
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In a disturbing development highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in North Africa, French sports reporter Christophe Gleizes has been sentenced to seven years in prison by an Algerian court for simply doing his job.
Gleizes, a contributor to acclaimed French publications So Foot and Society, was convicted on Sunday, June 29, by the Tizi Ouzou court on charges of “apology for terrorism” and “possession of publications intended to spread propaganda that harms the national interest.” An immediate arrest warrant was issued.
The verdict has sparked outrage in press freedom circles and sports journalism communities, as observers label the trial as politically motivated and devoid of credible evidence.
Gleizes, co-author of the investigative book Magique Système, which explores the exploitation of African footballers, had travelled to Algeria in spring 2024 to research a story on JS Kabylie—one of the country’s most storied football clubs from the 1980s. He was also preparing a tribute to the late Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebossé, who died under mysterious circumstances after a match in Algeria in 2014.
His arrest on May 28, 2024, was reportedly linked to past online exchanges (from 2015 and 2017) with a local football club figure associated with the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK), a group banned in Algeria. However, his 2024 interactions were reportedly limited strictly to football-related inquiries for his feature on JSK.
For over a year, Gleizes had been trapped in Algeria under judicial supervision, barred from leaving the country—a form of de facto house arrest. Now, with a harsh prison sentence handed down, the case is seen as yet another blow to press freedom in Algeria, particularly for journalists covering sensitive issues, even in sports.
Many in the football and media world are calling for Gleizes’ immediate release, condemning what they describe as the criminalisation of journalism and the silencing of free expression under the guise of national security.
The case raises fresh concerns about the increasingly hostile environment for international journalists in the region—even those covering the beautiful game.
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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially unveiled the commemorative logo for its 60th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the Association’s illustrious journey since its establishment in 1964.
The body was founded on February 1, 1964, when a group of journalists met in Lagos. The founding leaders who met at the Broad Street Lagos offices of Daily Times elected Adebayo Thompson of Morning Post as their founding chairman.
Babington Bakare was elected as the vice chairman. The founding secretary was Maurice Domboh of West African Pilot while the treasurer was Ishola Folorunsho of the Radio Nigeria. Cyril Kappo of Daily Times was the inaugural assistant secretary while Ajibade Fashina-Thomas of Daily Times was the publicity secretary.
The ex-officio members were Peter Osugo (Daily Times) and Sola Oluwole of Daily Express.
In reality, SWAN will be celebrating 60 years plus one. According to a press statement by the national executive of SWAN, the unveiling of the anniversary logo signals the beginning of a series of activities lined up to celebrate six decades of outstanding contributions to sports journalism, development, and advocacy in Nigeria.
The logo, creatively designed in vibrant green and white, proudly incorporates the figure “60” and the SWAN emblem — a reflection of the Association’s legacy and enduring impact in the sporting landscape of the country.
A ribbon bearing the inscription “Years Anniversary” boldly affirms the significance of the diamond jubilee.
SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin described the unveiling as a symbolic moment of pride, reflection, and rededication.
“As we unveil this logo, we are not just celebrating the past 60 years, but also reigniting our collective commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the promotion of sports through responsible journalism,” he stated.
He added that the anniversary celebration will feature a rich lineup of activities, including awards, public lectures, media games, recognition of sports icons and veterans, as well as a gala night to honour distinguished personalities who have supported SWAN’s mission over the years.
The three-day anniversary event will be held in October, aligning with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
The 60th anniversary comes as SWAN intensifies its role in shaping narratives around sports governance, policy, and inclusive participation across all levels.
Members of the media, partners, stakeholders, and the general public are enjoined to join in the celebration of this historic achievement and support the Association’s vision for the future.
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