After nearly three decades of capturing the highs and lows of Nigeria’s local football league with an ageing camera, veteran photojournalist Akeem Olamide Olaosun has received a heartwarming recognition from global camera giant, Canon.
Popularly known as Ola Photo Sports, Olaosun has spent over 25 years documenting the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) across various cities, often working with minimal resources. His resilience and passion earned him respect from fans, footballers, and fellow journalists alike.
His inspiring story caught national attention in 2024 when fellow photojournalist, Taofeek Ibrahim Adeshina — known on social media as FotoNugget — shared an image of Olaosun in action at a league match. The post quickly went viral, sparking widespread admiration and a successful crowdfunding campaign to support the seasoned photographer.
“For over 25 years, Mr. Akeem, fondly known as Ola Photo Sports, has tirelessly captured the essence of the NPFL with his camera,” FotoNugget wrote in the now-viral post.
On Thursday, April 10, Canon officially honoured Olaosun’s contribution to sports journalism with a certificate of recognition and a brand-new digital camera — a symbolic upgrade that marks a new chapter in his career.
Sharing the news, Adeshina posted, “Do you remember Mr. Akeem, the renowned Nigerian sports photojournalist with 25 years of experience, whose story I shared here and we crowdfunded for? I’m happy to share that Canon recognized his work and honoured him… Truly, a single picture can change a story.”
Hailing from Ibadan, Oyo State, Olaosun remains one of the most enduring and dedicated figures in Nigerian grassroots sports photography. His journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of community support.
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