By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Sports Editor of Daily Independent and ex- Media Officer of Super Eagles, Ben-Alaiya has passed on.
Born 52 years ago in Ososo, Edo State, he was the pioneer Sports Editor of Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of independent titles.
He later rose to the position of Group Sports Editor, before leaving the organisation to start the publication of SportDay, a newspaper, which specializes in sport reporting.
He was also the Media Officer of Nigeria’s senior male football team, the super Eagles between 2011 and 2015, after which he returned to the newsroom.
His death was announced on Wednesday via the official Instagram page of the Super Eagles.
“We are sad to announce the sudden passing of our former Media Officer, Mr Benjamin Alaiya. May his soul Rest In Peace and our thoughts are with his family,” the post read.
Alaiya will be remembered for his contributions to sports development in Nigeria and missed by family , friends and colleagues, who described him as a kind man and a team player.
