Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) president Tonobok Okowa has described the death of Steve Cole a former special adviser on sports to former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa as a rude shock that will take a long time to overcome.
Mr. Steve Cole who was also a former vice chairman of the Delta Football Association died on Sunday after a brief illness.
“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 advice 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 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.
