Sport

SWAN Charges Governor Abiodun on Adequate Investment in Sports Sector

By Web News 404 0

By Olusegun Folarin

The Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has urged the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to invest in the sports sector to drive the economy of the state.

SWAN in a congratulatory message jointly signed by the Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde, and Secretary, Mr Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji expressed the hope that the second term of the governor would witness a massive sports infrastructural development, especially when the state is hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival, NSF in 2024.

The association equally called on the governor to give the needed attention to the state football club, Gateway United in their bid to restore its lost glory.

The sports writers maintained that the ISEYA mantra of the governor should include the turnaround of the sports sector.

The association however felicitated the SWAN Grand Patron, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his second term swearing-in as the 7th Executive Governor of the Gateway State.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Sport

Gov. Oyetola is committed to Sports Development – Aide

By Web News 485 0

Approves Re-grassing of Osogbo Tpownship Stadium

Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the re-grassing of Osogbo township stadium.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Aremo Gboyega Adelabu gave the information in Osogbo during the monthly Stakeholders’ Forum of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter.

Aremo Adelabu who assured that the contractor would soon begin to work the project added that arrangements had been concluded to purchase good, modern equipment needed in other sports.

He noted that the state currently scored low in sports, but assured that steps were being taken to improve on sports facilities and equipment and make the state teams generate funds for themselves.

Speaking on the major challenges of the sports sector and efforts to overcome them, Aremo Adelabu said “funding has been the major challenge. The running of football clubs requires a lot of money which made us think out of the box. Part of what we have done was to offer replica jerseys of Osun United and Osun Babes for sales to political office holders to jack up the revenue. There are plans to sell mugs, key holders and other merchandise that will bring income to the teams too. We are confident that with these, we can increase the financial base of the clubs.”

When asked about athletes discovered during last year’s sports festival and general welfare of players, he said, “most of those picked (during 2021 Osun Sports Festival) are with Osun United while others are among the contract coaches and athletes at the Osun State Sports Council.

Earlier in his opening remark, Osun State Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Mr Timothy Agbor appreciated the gesture of Aremo Adelabu and reiterated that the association would not relent in its efforts at promoting government activities aimed at developing all categories of sports in the state.

There was also a remark by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development, Vincent Akinbami who affirmed Governor Oyetola’s love for sports and several efforts to improve the performance of Osun United and Osun Babes.

Adenitan Akinola

Lifestyle

Oba Adetunji left a vacuum seriously difficult to fill – Oyo SWAN

By Web News 731 0

Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo State chapter have expressed shock at the journey of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 to his ancestors. 

In a statement by Chairman, Oyo SWAN, Olaolu Fawole, the sports journalists described the journey of the royal father to his ancestors as very painful.

The association notes that the royal father would be greatly missed for his contributions to the development of the ancient city of Ibadan and Oyo state as a whole, particularly his indelible contributions to sports.

“We express our condolences to the family of the Olubadan, all Ibadan indigenes as well as residents of the ancient city”. His contributions to sports development in the state are unquantifiable and the royal father has left a vacuum that is seriously difficult for anyone to fill”. The statement added.

The 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland passed away this morning, Sunday, 2nd January 2022, at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan at the age of 93.

Olaolu Fawole 

Sport

Oyo SWAN Commends Minister, Commissioner Over Sports Development

By Web News 778 0

Oyo State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has commended the Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare and the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede for their frantic efforts at encouraging youth participation in sports, through policies that raise the hopes of sportsmen and women in the state and Nigeria. 

The association in a release signed by its Chairman, Mr. Olaolu Fawole also praised all stakeholders in sports for their constant support and cooperation which restored the association’s confidence in the healthy relationship with credible partners in sports development. 

The association also reiterated its continued support, aimed at ensuring a perfect working relationship with relevant sports bodies, at this time that sports receive serious attention from the state and federal governments. 

Oyo SWAN then urged all sports stakeholders to continually toe the line of truth and respect of established authorities, stressing that such a situation would ensure discipline and stability while creating an atmosphere where things work. 

The release also disclosed Oyo State SWAN resolve to come out stronger with high quality and credible programmes, which would genuinely benefit all stakeholders. 

 “We’re indeed delighted to have people of high integrity like Chief Sunday Dare and Asiwaju Fakorede at the helm of sports administration. This is why falsehood, extortion and other fraudulent acts have no place in sports any longer”. 

So, we are assured of healthy collaborations with all stakeholders, particularly the Oyo State Sports Council, Oyo State Football Association and other sports agencies that have declared readiness to work with us”, the statement read.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Government needs to provide an enabling environment for sports – Dr Alli

By Web News 592 0

Former Team Nigeria Captain, Dr Yusuf Alli has called on government at all levels to enact a policy that will make athletics compulsory for all primary and secondary school pupils.

Dr Alli made the call in while delivering a lecture entitled “The Downturn of Nigeria’s Athletics Fortunes” at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Week in Abeokuta.

The retired long jumper who is also the General Manager of Lagos City Marathon expressed worry over showing too much attention on the elite athletes at the expense of young and promising Nigerian athletes, said such trend must stop.

He said for Nigeria to return to the golden era, government must ensure the return of school sports from primary to university levels as well as ensure adequate facilities for the athletes to train with.

Dr Alli who also identified lack of funds as one of the reasons athletics had remained stagnant in country solicited the support of the stakeholders especially sports journalists towards the revival of the athletics fortune in the country.

In a remark, a board member, Federal Character Commission, Mr Abiodun Akinlade who was represented by a director in the commission, Mr Ademuyiwa Adeniran described sports as a veritable income-generating engagement that could contribute immensely to the growth of the nation’s economy.

Mr Akinlade said there was need to continue to remind the government of its roles at providing sports infrastructure, funding and regulatory framework that would engender an enabling environment for sports to flourish.

Earlier, the Ogun State Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde said the association would continue to engage key stakeholders in the sports sector in its efforts to develop sports in the country.

Olusegun Folarin

Sport

SWAN Hails Oyo NUP Over Collaboration

By Web News 651 0

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, South West Zone has commended Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council for aiding the success of the maiden edition of Oyo SWAN Pensioners Indoor Games.

SWAN gave the commendation in a letter signed by its Vice-president, Mr Seun Ajayi-Obe, stating that SWAN has enjoyed tremendous support from NUP over the years. 

The letter acknowledged NUP’s plan to make the just concluded tournament an annual event, pointing out that it would further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between SWAN and Oyo NUP.

SWAN also made references to the giant strides made by Oyo NUP, such as establishment of the first labour radio station in Africa and ongoing construction of first labour hospital in Nigeria, recommending that such exemplary feat should be emulated by all standardized organizations across the world.

The association then urged Oyo NUP to continually set the pace while raising the bar in public administration.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Oyo SWAN/Pensioners Indoor Games 2020 Ends On A High Note

By Web News 735 0

The maiden edition of the Oyo SWAN-Pensioners Indoor Games has ended in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, with contestants going home with prizes, certificates and memories that will linger on for a long time.

The event which began on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP headquarters, Africa’s Model House, Onireke also formed part of a reunion for the participants. 

While declaring the tournament closed, the Oyo State Executive Secretary of the Union, Mr Olusegun Abatan said next year’s edition will cut across all pensioners in the state.

Mr Abatan, who commended Oyo SWAN for organising such laudable sporting event said engaging in sports by senior citizens remain a factor that assist in making old people live longer.

Earlier, Chairman, Oyo State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Mr Olaolu Fawole commended the participants for their efforts, endurance and spirit of sportsmanship throughout the programme. 

At the end of the competition, Tokunbo Britto emerged winner in the Draught event, Banji Kolesho came second while Princess Aina Sandy clinched the bronze medal.

In the Cards category, Muili Solaja won gold, Mojeed Adejumo came second, while former International Table Tennis Player and Coach, Sola Abiodun went home with bronze medal.

Okunola Adeshina outclassed Funke Ibijoju in the final of Ayo Olopon to emerge winner, while Veronica Akinola settled for the third position.

The programme also witnessed presentation of certificates to members of Oyo SWAN for their active roles in the planning and execution of the 2020 Oyo SWAN Pensioners Indoor Games.

Adedayo Adelowo

Sport

We will never neglect our para-sports athletes – Oyo Govt.

By Web News 748 0

Court games are to be introduced to schools in Oyo state next year.

Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Sports development, Mr Oluwatobi Oyewumi made this known in his office while speaking with some members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo State Chapter.

Describing Oyo state as a fertile land full of sports talents, Mr Oyewumi explained that the introduction of the court games would not only discover talents but also nurture them to greatness.

“Recently, I was in Oke Ogun, Idere to be precise and I saw kids of nine years playing good football and if we can have that there, how much more in other parts and zones of the state” Oyewumi told the sports writers.

The sports enthusiast said some of the court games to be introduced include: Volleyball, Basketball and Tennis. 

According to the young administrator, grassroots football league and Para-Sports would also be held next year.

He said that if not for the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, Para-Sports would have been held this year and maintained that Oyo state would never neglect its para-athletes.

On Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and Crown FC of Ogbomoso, Mr Oyewumi noted that Governor Makinde has been giving support to the welfare of players of the two clubs, stressing that the aim of Oyo state for the government-owned clubs is not only to clinch promotion tickets to the elite league next season but to represent Nigeria at CAF Competitions.

Mr Oyewumi, who went down the memory lane on how he was a footballer during his school days, advised parents to encourage their children to take part in sports.

“Gone are the days when sports is seen as a waste of time, apart from the financial aspect of engaging in sports, we also know the psychological aspect of it” Oyewumi noted. 

The special assistant added that efforts must be intensified to use sports as a unifying factor.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

SWAN Commends FG for Lifting Ban on Contact Sports

By Web News 645 0

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun State Chapter has commended the Federal Government for lifting the ban on contact sports in the country after months of suspension due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

SWAN in a communiqué after the Emergency Congress of the Association held at the Secretariat, MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta urges stakeholders to ensure that all COVID-19 protocols are put in place in line with safety guidelines highlighted by the NCDC.

The Congress also implores the League clubs in Ogun State to hit the ground running immediately with preparations and ensure that COVID-19 tests are carried out for players and officials.

It appeals to Nigeria Football Federation to distribute the palliatives from the world Football Governing body, FIFA as soon as the  body receives the money.

The Congress expresses concern about the state of limbo that the Ogun State Sports Commission Bill and the Sports Trust Fund Bill has been since the State House of Assembly passed the Bills, and urged the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to assent to the bills.

Olusegun Folarin

Sport

Gernot Rohr contract renewal is a welcome development – Ogun SWAN Chairman

By Web News 742 0

The renewal of the contract of Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has been described as a welcome development.

The Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun state chapter, Alhaji Akeem Akintunde said in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta that the decision would put to rest the long term speculation regarding his contract renewal.

Alhaji Akintunde said there was the need to give the coach the needed support and assistance towards the development of football in the country.

https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ROHR-CONTRACT.mp3

Alhaji Akintunde also encouraged the Nigeria Football Federation to strengthen the technical department and ensure that all hands were on deck in a bid to move football forward at the national level.

Olusegun Folarin