Steve Cole's death, a rude shock - AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa

...He was a true, trusted brother, friend and consummate sports administrator

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 Assistant 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 Assistant 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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