The President of the Nigeria Pitch awards, Shina Phillips, has yet again described the death of veteran journalist, Dapo Sotuminu, as painful and very sad.

Phillips who doubles as the CEO of Lenders Consult International , was among the congregants at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Garden of Peace) in Surulere, Lagos for the final burial service for the late former Sports Editor.

He said it was emotional for him to be in the midst of other mourners, adding the late Sotuminu would not be forgotten in a hurry.

"The truth is that I would have been very sad if I hadn't made it here for the final burial rite of our dear brother, Dapo Sotuminu and I had to fly into Lagos and I'm happy that I made it here eventually," Phillips said.

"Dapo is not just a friend from the media but I see him as a member of a big family because he was always around to honour our programmes at Nigeria Pitch awards and we can never forget that.

"His memory would be with us forever and I was happy I was later introduced to the wife by our friend, Pius Ayinor."

Speaking further, the progenitor of the longest running sports awards in the country, said he would do his best to rally round the family henceforth, adding Sotuminu served humanity in his life time.

" Of course, we at the Nigeria Pitch Awards will always identify with the family," he added.

Sotuminu who died in Lagos on November 20 after a brief illness, was prolific professional for the several decades and worked in several media houses including TNT Newspapers (Deputy Sports Editor), New Telegraph Newspapers (Deputy Sports Editor) and Compass Newspapers (Sports Editor).

He also served as the Director of Communications of Nigeria Women Football League and Media Director of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.