Veteran journalist and publisher of Complete Sports, Sunny Ojeagbase, has been reported dead.

S.O., as he was fondly called, died in Atlanta, United States, after a brief illness, the family announced on Monday.

A statement released by his son, Julius, said the 71-year-old was a rallying point for his immediate, extended families and a benefactor to thousands of people.

Ojeagbase, who was a retired soldier, hailed from Uzebba, Iuleha in Owan West of Edo State and established Sports Souvenir weekly newspaper in 1984.

He was appointed sports editor of Sunday Concord in 1980 and sports editor of The Guardian in 1983.

The revered sports enthusiast and his wife co-founded the Success Attitude Development Centre, where they mentored young entrepreneurs how to start and run businesses.

Some of his mentees include Akin Alabi, a lawmaker in the House of Representatives and Olumide Emmanuel, a pastropreneur and real estate mogul.

Ojeagbase obtained a Diploma in Journalism from the University of Lagos and was ordained as a Pastor in March 2003.

He is survived by Pastor Esther Ojeagbase, his children – both biological and adopted – as well as grandchildren and other relatives.

The statement added that burial arrangements will be announced by the family.