Andishu Hails SWAN’s Role In National Sports Development
Moses Andishu, a National Patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has applauded the leadership role of the association in promoting the course for sports development in Nigeria.
Moses Andishu made the call on Thursday while delivering the keynote address of the ongoing SWAN Full Council and Triennial Delegate Congress in Kaduna, Kaduna State
The theme of the lecture was “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment, and Global Competitiveness”.
He said sports writers played a role in the rise of major sporting events and the elevation of Nigerian athletes citing how their works influenced the trajectory of the careers of many players.
The keynote speaker said sport had the power to change the world, to inspire and to unite people in a way that very few other things do as it spoke to the youth in a language they understood.
“Through coverage of sports events, your reporting drives social, economic, mental, and developmental outcomes, while expanding access to sports information.
“SWAN holds a powerful platform to reach vast audiences through the universal language of sports, the language best understood by young people.
“Your work promotes physical fitness, fosters unity in diversity, and binds us together across tribal, religious, and ethnic lines.
“Furthermore, SWAN has historically strengthened cross-border friendships, international solidarity, and sports diplomacy, placing our youth firmly in the global spotlight,” he said.
Andishu acknowledged the challenges facing the practice such as Poor remuneration, harsh working environments, lack of health and life insurance and low motivation
“To truly harness sports and the media for development, the Nigerian press must evolve into an active engine for national progress,” he said.
On his part, Sani Zaria in his lecture, called on SWAN to go from mere reportage of sporting events to setting agenda and holding sports administrators responsible.
Zaria, called on members to protect the association by upholding truth at all times and help in the fight against the menace of fake news.
Earlier in his address, Isaiah Benjamin, the President of SWAN said the event served as a platform for stock-taking, constructive engagement and democratic decision-making to chart a progressive future for the Association.
Benjamin said there was a need for collaboration among government, corporate organisations, sports federations and development partners for capacity building and more opportunities for members.
He urged SWAN members to remain a credible, respected and influential voice in the Nigerian sporting ecosystem.
According to him, a stronger association means a stronger platform for sports journalism across the country,” he said.
Ayo Omidiran, the Chairman of the Federal Character Commissioner was installed as the maiden Matron of SWAN during the event.
