NORBERT OKOLIE LAID TO REST AMID TEARS

The former Media Officer of Rangers International Football Club, Norbert Okolie, popularly known as “Onye Photo,” has been laid to rest in his hometown of Enyimba-Amoli, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, amid grief and tears.

The former Media Officer of Rangers International Football Club, Norbert Okolie, popularly known as “Onye Photo,” has been laid to rest in his hometown of Enyimba-Amoli, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, amid grief and tears. Okolie, who served Rangers International with distinction, was remembered for his excellence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to duty throughout his time with the club. Speaking during the burial mass, the General Manager of Rangers International FC, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku revealed that the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, alongside the entire Rangers family, made concerted efforts to save the life of the late media officer before his passing. “Norbert Okolie was a proactive and dedicated media officer who was deeply committed to his duties. When I informed His Excellency, the Governor, about his illness, he immediately directed that everything possible should be done to save his life. We did all we could, but since it pleased God to call him home, who are we to question Him,” he said. The General Manager further consoled the bereaved family, assuring them of the continuous support of the Enugu State Government and Rangers International Football Club. “To the family of the deceased, I understand how painful this loss is. My heart goes out to you. May God grant you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. I want to assure you that the Governor of Enugu State and the entire Rangers family will continue to stand by you,” he added. Dignitaries present at the burial included the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremmadu; Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Prince Davidson Owumi; Chairman of Rangers Foundation, Chief Ebere Amarizu; former Commissioner for Youth and Sports and Mayor of Awgu Local Government Area, Chief Uchenna Anioke. Also in attendance were members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), players of Rangers International FC, Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, Chief Coach of Rangers International FC, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, and several other stakeholders from the football and media community. Norbert Okolie’s passing has left a huge void within the Rangers family and the Nigerian sports media space, where he was widely respected for his professionalism and passion.