Ex- Rangers Spokesman, Norbert Okolie, buried amid tears

By IG Okpara

The Remains of the late Director of media and Communications of Rangers Intr. FC of Enugu was weekend committed to mother earth at his Enyimba, Amoli native home in Awgu local government area of Enugu state, South East Nigeria. aged 53.

Okolie, a former Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu state chapter, joined his ancestors in the early hours of Sunday 16th, November 2025 after battling a complicated health issues.

Prior to his engagement in Rangers FC as the Club's media officer, the late Okolie, had worked in several media national amd international outfits, amongst them, the defunct kick off magazine, Four- Four-Two sports magazine, amongst others.

He was later elevated to the position of Director of media and Communication, an office he held with distinction, using it to shape the the Club's media presence, strengthening public communication, and documenting it's rich legacy.

Preaching at the funeral Mass Sermon held at the SS Mark Matthew Catholic church Paris, Akpuoka, Amoli, the officiating priest, 

Rev. Fr. Ogbonna, who noted that death remains a necessary end for every mortal, urged the bereaved family, especially the Widow to take solace on the fact that her husband died a believer in Christ.

The Priest, said: "we must always endeavour to shun evil and do good while alive, so that when we passed on, we die in Christ and have eternal peace.

According to the Cleric, the calibre of personalities that are here today to grace this funeral Mass, indicates that our late brother, Norbert Okolie, was a God man. He lived a life of service.

In an emotional remark, General Manager of Rangers Intr. FC, Barrister Amobi, who led top and junior staffers of the Enugu clube side to the funeral, expressed deep pain over the sudden demise of late Okolie, whom he described as a dedicated and hard working media manager of the flying Antelopes. 

The Rangers's boss, regretted that death succeed in snatching him away from the family, Rangers and close associates at a very young age, despite efforts by the club, through the state government as well as his family to get him back on his feet.

 Ezeaku, disclosed that while Okolie was battling the ailment that eventually took him to his untimely graves, the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, had given him directive to do everything medically possible to save his life, adding that man proposes but God disposes, saying "who are we to question God.

He however, assured the deceased widow, Mrs. Prisca Okolie, and children that Rangers family share in their pains, and will not abandoned them.

The GM, also expressed appreciation to all those that came to pay their last respect to the fallen Journalists and seasoned sports writer.

Present at the funeral were, the Enugu state Commissioner for youth and sports, Barrister Lyod Ekwreemadu, Chief Operating officer, Nigeria professional football league NPFL, Prince Davidson Owumi, Technical Adviser of Rangers, Mr. Fidelis Ikechukwu.

Other were former Commissioner for youth and sports, Enugu state, Dr. Cyril Anioke, the state Chairman, Enugu state football Association, FA, Barrister Tony Ugwu, represented by the state Secretary, Mr. Francis Ugwu,

Rangers players, Members of Enugu state chapter of Sports writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, led by its Chairman, Comrade Gideon Iwueke, members of the state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, amongst others.