25th November, 2015
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has challenged sports journalists to be courageous to expose corruption that has bastardised Nigerian sports.
In his congratulatory message to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos State Chapter as they mark their 50th anniversary, Barr. Dalung said SWAN’s contribution to sports development in Nigeria cannot be quantified.
“For decades, SWAN has been informing, educating and entertaining Nigeria with brilliant sports stories, excellent documentaries, celebration of our best moments in sports and defending the rights of the oppressed in the sports industry, ” he said.
Dalung, who said he is proud to be associated with SWAN, urged the body to not only to continue its watchdog role in the sports industry, but join hands with President Muhammad Buhari and other change agents in the All Progressives Congress, APC, government and fight corruption and other vices that had prevented Nigeria from achieving its potentials in sports.
“Education, entertainment and sports are the most important tools of providing escape from poverty for children from less privileged backgrounds. As at today, our sports industry is facing several challenges, the biggest is corruption which has become a behemoth in the industry. Sports journalists should take advantage of President Buhari’s determination to fight corruption and expose corrupt practices,” the Minister said in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Nneka Anibeze.
Dalung appealed to sports writers that government’s effort at fighting the rot in sports will be easier with their support and cooperation.
The Minister also urged SWAN to invest more in training and education of its members.
“Going forward, SWAN should report and celebrate more of its own and turn them to national and global icons. We should take a cue from the English press and celebrate our sports stars,” he said.
To Dalung, SWAN’s laudable achievement in the last 50 years is not only worthy of celebration but also worthy of emulation by other professional bodies and unions.
The Lagos chapter of SWAN has lined up some activities to celebrate the association at 50 on Friday at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
These include Achievers’ Day, an event designed to appreciate SWAN patrons and friends and the investiture of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Executive Governor of Lagos State, as Grand Patron.