Mazi Njoku, A Mentor, Friend Goes Home A Tribute

Today, the 18th day of February, 2011, an icon of sports journalism, Mazi Nwanezi Njoku will be given his final honour and good byes as he proceed to the great beyond, not to be seen again in his usual form by friends, acquaintances and family members.

This great man of valour, journalistic excellence and friendly ambience died suddenly on the 20th day of January, 2011.

To me, it is a great loss and a void that can never be ameliorated.

Here goes a man, who greatly influenced my life and many others, both professionally and privately.

Oga Mazi, as he was fondly called by most of us whom he mentored in the art of sports writing, journalism and self carriage was part of the influences that shaped the career of many that came in contact with him, especially, myself, who stayed under his tutelage at Sunray Newspapers for an eventful two years.

Through his supervision, motivation and at times, rebukes, I can say today that I have become a better journalist, particularly, a better sports writer.

To the sports writing family, especially, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Mazi was one of the bastions of the association.

From being one of the midwives of the associations Rules and Regulations (Constitution), Elder Mazi, as he came to be known within the association became a major custodian of the profession’s tenets and values.

He became an adviser and a reference authority as far as sports and SWAN matters were concerned.

As Oga Mazi, a consummate wordsmith, whose repertoire of exciting vocabularies and news story presentations earned him not a few friends, goes home today, the sports writing family will certainly feel and miss him. Indeed, Oga Mazi lived for sports and journalism, having great love for the sports sector, especially, in Rivers State.

He died giving his energy to the sector and seeking for ways to improve it, especially at the grassroots.

He lives no more, influenced and left behind to carry on, try to keep the flag flying.

Oga Mazi, your legacy, your dreams live on.

Adieu, Oga Mazi, Man of Sports, man of words, a mentor and a friend.