Legendary sports journalist Fikru Kidane dies

Addis Ababa, October 11, 2022 (FBC) – The legendary Ethiopian sports journalist Fikru Kidane dies aged 87 while receiving a medical treatment for a brief illness.

Fikru Kidane was a legend of Ethiopian sports journalism and an inspiration to so many people. Fikru Kidane cared deeply about journalism and sports and he gave so much to journalists and Ethiopian sports.

Apart from his journalist career, Fikru worked for the Ethiopian Football Federation, and was a founder and leader of both the African Sport Journalists Association and the Ethiopian Sports Journalists Association. Firkru was also a Secretary General for the Ethiopian Bicycle Federation. He also gave long services at higher positions in CAF and the International Olympic Committee.

Fikru was also well known for his book “Yepiasa Lij”, a historical account of the modern Addis Ababa particularly the movement of urbanization in the capital in 1960s and 70s.

Fikru was also a long term presidential advisor for Issa Hayatou, Ex-president of Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Ethiopian Sports Journalists Association (ESJA) honored veteran sports journalist Fikru Kidane Kidane, Founder of the African Sport Journalists Association, with “A Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2018.