Sport

Harness Potential of Sports, SWAN Tells Ogun Govt.

By Web News 400

By Olusegun Folarin 

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun State Chapter has implored the state government to harness the potentials in sports to achieve sustainable peace, especially in the area of insecurity occasioned by cult clashes.

SWAN Chairman, Comrade Micheal-Azeez Ogunsiji made the call in a statement signed by his Secretary, Olusegun Folarin to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Sports for Peace Development.

Comrade Ogunsiji who described sports as an important weapon to promote the economic well-being of individuals said there was s a need for the present administration to invest more in sports for the overall development of the state.

He appealed to the government to organize sporting activities among the tertiary institutions as well as secondary schools across the 20 local government areas of the state to bring about development and promote peaceful coexistence in the state.

The SWAN Chairman also encouraged the government to key into the activities of the association such as the SWAN Security Cup, the SWAN Media Cup which he said were designed to sustain the existing relationships among various bodies in the state.

He frowned at the slow pace of preparation for the 2024 National Sports Festival hoping that the state would not eventually lose the hosting right to Oyo state if it becomes evident that she is not ready to host.

He charged the sports ministry in the state to embark on a talent hunt programme among primary and secondary schools in the state to discover abundant talents spread across the length and breadth of the state.

Comrade Ogunsiji equally called on Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to invest heavily in the sports sector of the state and put in place a thorough sports development roadmap that would position the state as a hub for talent discovery.

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

News

AFCON Mishap: SWAN Wishes Oyediji Babatunde Speedy Recovery

By Web News 434

By Olusegun Folarin

Ogun State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has sympathized with one of its members involved in a motor accident in Ivory Coast where he is covering the ongoing African Cup of Nations, Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde.

According to reports, the accident happened with the convoy of journalists while returning from Yamussoukro to Abidjan after covering the Guinea vs Senegal match.

The SWAN chairman in the state, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji in a statement through his Secretary, Olusegun Folarin was full of gratitude to God for His mercies on Oyediji and other journalists who were injured and shocked from the accident. 

The SWAN Chairman urged the injured journalists to ensure adequate treatment and sufficient diagnosis of any pain or injury to ensure proper healing. 

He charged Oyediji and others not to be deterred by the temporary discomfort but to continue to give adequate coverage to the Nations Cup and Nigeria’s participation in particular. 

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

Sport

All Set for Abeokuta 10 kilometer Race

By Web News 512

By Olusegun Folarin

Arrangements have been concluded to ensure a hitch free Abeokuta 10 kilometer race slated for Saturday, 9th September 2023.

The Technical Director of the race, Dr Yusuf Alli who stated this at the SWAN Secretariat during a media parley security operatives, and other logistics had been made towards the success of the race.

Dr Alli, a three-time Olympian said part of the measures to checkmate cheating during the race included the deployment of 60 technical officials to strategic location for the race.

The 10 kilometer Abeokuta race technical director announced that the race the race would be flagged off at Iyana Oloke at 8am by governor Dapo Abiodun  and the President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN.

Dr Alli appreciated commended the renewed vigour of former Sports Commissioner in Ogun state, Chief  Bukola Olopade for to stage long distance races in the country which he said was in accordance with the international standards.

The Project Manager, Mr Seyi Johnson  said the first elite runner to reach the finish line will get  5,000 dollars, 3,000 dollars will go for the 2nd placed athlete, the third placed elite athlete will get 1,000 dollars.

He said the sum of one million naira would be given to any Nigerian athlete that got to finish line first, the second and third placed teams would go home with 750 and 5 hundred thousand naira respectively.

Chief Olopade in a remark explained that the idea of prize money for Nigerian athletes was to encouraged more participations of local athletes in the race.

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

Sport

SWAN Charges Governor Abiodun on Adequate Investment in Sports Sector

By Web News 583

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

Ogun SWAN Holds Media Football Competition June

By Web News 737

By Olusegun Folarin

The draw for the second edition of SWAN Media football competition has been held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

The draw conducted at the SWAN Secretariat, MKO International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta had representatives of various media houses in attendance.

Super FM from Ijebu Ode will slug it out against the male football team from the Nigerian Television, Authority, NTA, Rock City FM will battle Oodua FM, FIBAN will battle SMASH FM while Family FM will tackle Paramount FM.

In other fixtures, the football team of Ogun State Television, OGTV, will battle their sister agency, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation, OGBC, for a quarter final ticket, Splash FM will take on Correspondents Chapel, Eagle FM Radio will test Federated for a size while the winner of the first edition of the competition, Consolidated chapel will confront State Information chapel.

The Chairman, Ogun State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde explained that the 5-aside football competition was to sustain the existing relationship among Journalists in Ogun state.

According to the SWAN Secretary, Mr Micheal Azeez-Ogunsiji, the competition will be held between 1st and June 8th and will take place at the Fun Turf, MKO International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Sport

SWAN Worry over Ogun Government’s Attitude towards Hosting 2024 NSF

By Web News 671

By Olusegun Folarin

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun State Chapter has expressed concern over the attitude of the state government towards the hosting of the next National Sports Festival, NSF.

SWAN in a communiqué jointly signed by the chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde and Secretary, Mr Michael Azeez-Ogunsiji at the end of its monthly Congress held at the Association’s secretariat, MKO, Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta urges the government to commence preparation in earnest for the biennial event.

The Congress also expresses worry over the deplorable condition of the pitch of the main bowl of the MKO International stadium, Abeokuta which had been banned by the Nigeria Football Federation from hosting league matches and Mundo track which must be urgently fixed to demonstrate commitment to the hosting of the festival come next year

It however commends the State Government for rehabilitation of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, and stresses for the government to extend such rehabilitation to other sporting facilities at Ijeja within Abeokuta and other Stadia in  Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro.

The congress lauds the performance of Remo Stars FC in the NPFL and urges them to put more effort to qualify for the Super 6 where they will be able to qualify for a continental ticket.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTubeChannels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Sport

Ondo SWAN Gets Caretaker Committee

By Web News 544

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ondo State chapter has inaugurated a caretaker committee that would stir the affairs of the association for the next three months.

The three members of the caretaker committee were inaugurated by the south west Vice President of SWAN, MR Oluwaseun Ajayi Obe, at SWAN office located at the State sports complex in Akure.

The three members are former Chairman, Mr Wahab Bankole, Mrs Timileyin Falade and Leo Abanikanda.

Earlier, the scheduled Ondo SWAN election was halted by the National southwest Vice President of SWAN, Mr Ajayi Obe, based on a petition written by an aspirant on membership eligibility and omission of names of some financial members in the list cleared for the election.

However the call for nomination of caretaker committee members was marred as some aggrieved members staged a walkout from the meeting while others were on ground to conclude the process.

In an interview, Mr Ajayi Obe, who supervised the process expressed displeasure with the attitude of the members describing it as an act of indiscipline which is against the National President, Sir Honour Sirawoo led executive board’s expectations from SWAN members.

Meanwhile the postponed election will now be conducted after the three man caretaker committee must have inaugurated a new electoral umpire, (SWANECO) to conduct a fresh election at a later date.

Isaac Afolabi 

Sport

Gov. Oyetola is committed to Sports Development – Aide

By Web News 559

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

Sport

Oyo SWAN Mourns Death Of 3SC GM, Rasheed Balogun, Says He Left Vacuum That Will Be Difficult To Fill

By Web News 904

Members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo state chapter condole with the family, players and management of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan over the demise of the club’s General Manager, Alhaji Rasheed Balogun.

 A condolence statement signed by Chairman, Oyo SWAN, Olaolu Fawole, says the demise of Alhaji Balogun came as a rude shock, as his death came at a time the state needs his services more.

Oyo SWAN describes the deceased as an astute football administrator who knew the round leather game both on and off the field of play.

We pray God to grant his family and the entire sports-loving people of Oyo state the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 

Alhaji Rasheed Balogun died on Thursday during a brief illness.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

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

By Web News 960

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 931

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

News Yoruba

Ijoba Ipinle Ogun Lohun Yoo Samulo Eka-Ere-Idaraya Gegebi Ohun Elo Irolagbara Fawon Odo

By Web News 1231

Ijoba ipinle Ogun ti fowo ipinu re soya lotun pe, ohun yoo samulo ere idaraya gege bi eroja lati seto agbega eto irolagbara ohun igbese lati gba awon odo lowo iwa odaran yoowu.

Alakoso foro iroyin ati atoo gbogbo, Alhaji Waheed Odusile so eyi lasiko to nside ose eto awon akoroyin ere idaraya SWAN todun 2021, nilu Abeokuta.

Alhaji Odusile, enito fanrere Pataki ere-idaraya fun idagbasoke awujo nii idagbasoke eto ere idaraya kii se ojuse ijoba nikan amo ojuse gbogbogbo.

Alakoso foro iroyin titun se alaga eto ohun, nii ose Pataki fawon akoroyin ere-idaraya lati gunle awon eto ti yoo seranwo nidi mimu agbega baa won to nkopa ninu ere idaraya.

Saaju, alaga egbe awon akoroyin ere-idaraya nile yii, eka tipinle Ogun, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde ti tokasi pe, agbekale ofin tooye yoo mu kawon odo lee kopa ninu ere idaraya lai fooya.

Folarin/Idogbe

Sport

SWAN Mourns Former Edo Chairman, Ahmed Aigbona

By Web News 675

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is still in deep shock over the sudden death of the former Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the Association, Ahmed Aigbona who passed on yesterday.

SWAN President, Sir Honour Sirawoo who received the sad news with regrets, described Aigbona as a very jovial personality who easily drew people close to him with his huge sense of humour.

Sirawoo also noted that as Edo SWAN Chairman, Aigbona contributed immensely to the development of sports just as he also did when he became a member of the Edo State Football Association, a position he held until his passing.

He also decried the state of Nigerians hospitals even as he charged governments both at the federal and state levels to pay more attention to the health of Nigerians.

“Governments at both the federal and state levels should pay more attention to the health care delivery system in Nigeria. If the hospitals were adequately equipped, may be the story of Ahmed would have been different because we heard that the first hospital where he was taken to did not have oxygen to assist him”.

The National Secretariat while wishing that his immediate family will find the fortitude to bear this loss, also prays that such death should not occur again in the Nigerian sports family.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Jude Opara

Secretary General

Sport

Eid El Kabir: Oyo SWAN Felicitates with Muslim Faithful.

By Web News 671

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter rejoices with Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid El Kabir celebration, sportsembassy.com.ng.can report

A statement jointly signed by the Secretary of the Association, Olusegun Adesoji and the Chairman, Olaoluwa Fawole, congratulates Muslims for the privilege to witness the Ed El Kabir Celebration in spite of security and economic challenges of the country.

The statement reads in part: “The entire members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, rejoice and felicitate with all adherents of Islam to celebrate 2021 Salah festival. We also call on everyone to reflect the lesson of Eid El Kabir which harps on love, humility, and unity as exhibited by Prophet Muhammad

“We enjoin Muslim Faithful and every Nigerian to extend these virtues as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad so as to bring an end to all forms of agitations bedeviling our country and for peace and progress to reign,” concluded the statement.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

National SWAN Congratulates New FCT Chapter Exco

By Web News 768

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) congratulates the newly elected State Executive Committee of its FCT Chapter led by Mr. Ndubueze Chidoka, who is a member of staff of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Abuja.

Despite the numerous challenges in the buildup to the election, it is gratifying to note that FCT SWAN chapter was able to overcome those challenges both from some insiders and their collaborators from outside the Association.

This is sequel to the report of the three-man NEC delegate that supervised the said election in line with *Article 12 (g)(ii)* of the SWAN Statute.

According to the report by the delegate led by the South-South Vice President of SWAN, *Bonny Nyong*, the election was conducted in a very peaceful and convivial atmosphere to the admiration of everyone.

NEC wants to advise the elected Chairman and his executive members to be magnanimous in victory and ensure they accommodate every bonafide member of the chapter. To this effect, the Executive Committee may consider setting up a reconciliation committee to reconcile any member who may have been angered by the outcome of the election.

Similarly, the Executive Committee should also at all times knowing that SWAN is a professional body, endeavour to pilot its affairs in line with the Statute of the Association.

Going forward, the leadership of FCT chapter should encourage its members to regularly update their membership because that is the only way they will be eligible to participate in every activity of the Association both in the chapter and at the national level.   

It must also be noted that the NEC under the leadership of Sir, Honour Sirawoo will continue to work and collaborate with the various chapters to develop the Association.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

SWAN Decries Treatment of Members at National Sports Festival

By Web News 669

The National President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawo, has lamented the poor treatment of members of the Association at the ongoing National Sports Festival, Edo 2020.

Mr. Sirawo while addressing members at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium this afternoon decried the inability of the organizers of the Games to provide basic media amenities and the bare minimums pertaining to the media coverage of the event to members of SWAN.

He attributed part of the struggles and inadequacies of the organizers to the inability of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to financially support the government of Edo State which had exhausted its budget for the Festival after the competition suffered a couple of postponements before it eventually commenced on April 2, 2021.

Mr. Sirawo, who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, however called on members to remain calm and continue with their professional coverage of the Games while he continued to interface with the Games’ organizers with a view to improving the working conditions of members at the event. 

The sports festival ends on the fourteenth of this month.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

Osun SWAN Gets New Executives

By Web News 676

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), Osun State Chapter has elected new Executive members to pilot affairs of the association for the next three years.

Inaugurating the executives at the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Vice President of SWAN, Southwest Zone, Mr Seun Ajayi-Obe on behalf of the National President, Honour Sirawoo, urged them to take the association to greater heights in Osun.

The immediate past state secretary of the Association, Mr Timothy Agbor was elected as the Chairman, while the media officer of Osun United, Tajudeen Amodu is the new secretary of Osun SWAN.

PR/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

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

By Web News 669

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 760

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 to Go National Next Year

By Web News 839

Oyo SWAN-Pensioners Indoor Games, which commenced today in Ibadan, will be held at the national level next year.

Executive Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Oyo State Council, Mr Olusegun Abatan, said this at the opening ceremony of the two days festival held at NUP office, Onireke, Ibadan.

Speaking through the State Assistant Secretary,  Mr. Banji Koleosho, Mr Abatan stated that the organizers of the ongoing Indoor Games should commence preparations as from next month.

Earlier, Chairman, Sportswriters Association of Nigeria SWAN, Oyo State Chapter, Olaolu Fawole, enjoined the participants to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship. 

The tournament ends tomorrow with awards of prizes and certificates to all participants.

Adedayo Adelowo

Sport

Women to Participate in SWAN Pensioners Indoor Games

By Web News 708

Four women will be among participants to compete for medals at the 2020 Oyo SWAN Pensioners Indoor Games which begins tomorrow in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

According to the Chairman, Oyo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Olaolu Fawole, the four female senior citizens are to compete with their male counterparts in Ayo Olopon, Draughts and Cards categories.

The draws of the event held at Africa’s Model House, Onireke, Ibadan, showed that the competition would be keenly contested.

Fawole explained that some participants would be traveling from Ogbomoso and Oyo for the two-day competition.

He added that Palm Wine which is synonymous with Traditional Games would equally be provided for all the participants.

PR/Adedayo Adelowo

Sport

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

By Web News 824

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 Recovers Property from Impersonator, Niyi Alebiosu

By Web News 844

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo State Chapter has recovered its official vehicle from Niyi Alebiosu of Nigerian Tribune.

Niyi Alebiosu has been holding some property of the association illegally to himself.

The vehicle was recovered following a court judgment which granted relief to the national body of SWAN, to retrieve all the association’s property from Niyi Alebiosu.

The national body of SWAN had dragged the former chairman of oyo swan, Niyi Alebiosu to court for being in possession of the association’s property after he had ceased to be a member of the association since 2018, praying the court to grant its prayers to recover all its property.

Delivering the judgment, President, Grade A customary court, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Mrs Folake Omiteru ordered Niyi Alebiosu to vacate the state office of SWAN situated at Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo state and hand over all property of the association including a fourteen seater bus.

The court also ordered Alebiosu to pay to the Plaintiff the sum of twenty thousand naira as a cost of instituting the legal action.

It would be recalled that Niyi Alebiosu who had served as state chairman of the association had refused to hand over the property of the association to the incumbent chairman, Olaolu Fawole.

He has also been impersonating the office of the oyo state chairman of SWANto misinform the public.

Also, the national body of SWAN had issued a disclaimer on Niyi Alebiosu, calling on members of the public to be wary of him.

Sport

Ogun Assembly to Partner Sports Writers in Grassroots Sports Development

By Web News 882

Ogun State House of Assembly has promised to initiate more legislations that will assist in the development of sports.

The Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo gave the promise when he received the executive members of the state’s chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde at his Oke Mosan office, Abeokuta.

Mr Oluomo, who recounted his childhood days in secondary school, said sports remained a viable instruments to create job opportunities and address youth restiveness.

He assured the sports writers of the Assembly’s support to organize a successful football competition.

Earlier, the SWAN Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde had solicited the support of the state’s House of Assembly to host the maiden edition of Speaker’s Cup among the 20 local government areas of the state.

Alhaji Akintunde said the football competition once approved would be another success story of the 9th Assembly.

The SWAN chairman commended the efforts of the Assembly towards the passage of the Sports Trust Fund and Sports Commission, describing them as essential tool for development of sports in the state.

Olusegun Folarin

Sport

Governor Akeredolu Donates Bus To Ondo SWAN

By Web News 635

Ondo state Governor Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has fulfilled his promise by donating a bus to the Ondo State Sports Writers Association, SWAN, Ondo State Chapter.

Governor Akeredolu stated this while playing host to the executive members of SWAN who were in his office to appreciate his support towards the successful hosting of the 2020 SWAN week.

Our sports correspondent reports that Governor Akeredolu applauded SWAN for exposing the students to the game of golf but emphasized on exploring other sports which he noted are easier and economical to maintain.

He also appealed to SWAN to use all available platform to promote sunshine stars, lure investors to partner the state in getting sponsors for the team and other sporting activities in the state.

Mr. Akeredolu said government alone cannot fund sports hence the need for stakeholders to assist in moving sports to the next phase.

Earlier, Chairman SWAN Ondo State, Mr Wahab Bankole lauded the governor’s impact in sports despite the economic situation of the country and assured the governor of SWAN’S support in projecting his good works particularly in the area of sports.

Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion are the commissioner for youths and sports Mr. Dotun Owanikin, SSG Mr. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Olugbenga Ale among others.

Oriola Afolabi