The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawoo has harped on professionalism and unity among sports journalists as the Association marks its 54th anniversary. SWAN came into being on February 1, 1964 and is charged with coordinating the activities of the Nigerian media in the promotion of sports and their socio-cultural values, as well as defend and uphold the moral and professional rights of members, contribute through advice, suggestions, criticisms or other means to the development and growth of sports in Nigeria.

Speaking in line with this year’s theme, “Uniting To Restore Our Dignity,” Sirawoo went down the memory lane and praised the founding fathers of SWAN for their foresight and unity of purpose in birthing the Association. According to him, “kudos to our founding fathers for their vision and sense of mission in creating the Association to bring together sports journalists.

The Association has over the years grown from strength to strength, providing the platform to engage stakeholders and contributing to the development of sports in Nigeria.” He stressed on the need for members to act within the tenets of responsible journalism and have the common purpose of taking the Association to a new level that would earn the respect of government, administrators and operators.

The SWAN President commended the National Executive Council (NEC), states’ executives and members of the association for their cooperation since he assumed office in 2016, adding that though some successes have been achieved, there were still a lot more to be done. The nation’s number one sports journalist disclosed that more innovations to make the body respond to emerging challenges would soon be unfolded, pointing out that he was open to suggestions to make the Association better.

He reiterated the Association’s readiness to work with other stakeholders to ensure that sports is taken to the next level and the country attains her deserved place in Africa and the world.

Olalekan Ige

Special Adviser to the President on Media

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