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| Walter Oyatogun |
Walter Oyatogun
Anyone who grew up in nigeria in the 70's and 80's would surely remember the phrase 'This is Walter
Oyatogun reporting for NTA News'
Walter Oyatogun was especially popular in sports broadcasting.The newsman passed away over the weekend after a long illness. His daughter , who is also a broadcaster at Star Fm, Lagos has
released a press statement on behalf of the Oyatogun Family;
With deep hearts, we the family of Oyatogun, announce the death of our loving father, husband, grandfather and friend, Walter Oyatogun, a sport man, boxer and a wonderful person. A man that has held the sport world for a very long time and also trained so many athletes. Truly you have created an impact in our lives and you will always be in our heart.
Good Bye Daddy.
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| Walter Oyatogun In hospital after his stroke and a pic of his apartment |
Walter Oyatogun had fallen ill with a stroke a few years ago..in an interview three years ago he said:“I lost my balance and since then I’ve been ill. My children have tried to get me medical help and there has been improvement especially with the help of Dr. Randle and Dr. Lawanson,” he said.
“The doctors have helped to stabilise my condition but there’s still more to be done. I’m grateful to the Lagos State Government for picking the bill for my MRI test. I pray I recover on time and become useful to the state in one way or another.
“My former employers were not aware, but a few friends who have seen me were as surprised as I was at the development of the disease.
“The doctors have taken me through a gamut of tests which included one to determine the level of sugar in my blood but they’ve not found me diabetic. There’s no aspect they’ve not tried to discover the source of the problem. They have done their best. I appreciate my children’s effort and I believe I am lucky to still be alive.
“I wouldn’t know if going to a hospital abroad would be better but I’m getting adequate attention where I am and I pray the doctors find the solution to my problems quickly.
“I expected more from the sporting world but I’m still grateful for the help I’ve got from the government.”
One of his daughters, Moyo, a radio presenter, was at his bedside on Sunday at a Lagos hospital where he is getting treatment. The shock of seeing her once vibrant father in a forlorn state had taken its toll on her amiable face. Her mien was a combination of smile and tears; of hope and fear.
“I don’t know where else to turn for help. The Lagos State officials have tried and if not for them, the condition would have been worse,” Moyo said, fighting back tears and amused by her father’s determination not to give up to the illness.
“When we moved him to the hospital, he insisted he would spend only three days on admission but I believe the reality of the situation has dawned on him.
“He could have had better care if the children were living with him but he insists on being alone. I guess that’s one of the effects of divorce; it never brings good to anyone.”
Moyo’s worry is about the increasing medical bills and, after that, the living condition of her father.
She said, “We’ve spent over half a million naira so far but the Lagos State officials have helped a great deal. My worry is about his apartment. I don’t want him to go back to the cubicle he lives in; it’s not good for his health.
“Getting a flat for him and improving his living condition is not too much but I can’t afford that. I want Nigerians to come to our aid and show appreciation even if it is for his contribution to sports development.”
Oyatogun may have quit broadcasting since the 1980s, his name still rings “bell in the sports and media worlds.
Omolayole, his third daughter, who is also television presenter, said her father’s name had brought her more pressure to succeed in the profession.
She said, “He didn’t want us to go into journalism probably because there’s no money in the profession but one way or another three of us found ourselves in the media.
“I’d say I didn’t know how famous my father is until I get reactions from people whenever I mention my name. People will always remember my father and expect me to be as good as he was on the television
RIP