Sports Minister Congratulates SWAN As It Clocks 50

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The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, has congratulated the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

According to Mr Dalung, SWAN’s laudable achievements in the last 50 years was not only worthy of celebration but should also be imbibed by other professional bodies and unions.

The Lagos chapter of SWAN has lined up some activities to celebrate the group at 50 this week which include the Achievers’ Day, an event designed to appreciate SWAN patrons and friends and the investiture of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, as their Grand Patron.

The sports minister noted that SWAN’s contribution to sports development in Nigeria could not 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 was proud to be associated with SWAN, urged the body to not only continue its watchdog role, but assist President Muhammadu Buhari and other change agents in the All Progressives Congress’ government to fight corruption and other vices that had stopped 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,” he said.

The minister appealed to sports writers that government’s efforts in fighting the rot in sports would be easier with their support and cooperation.

He urged SWAN to invest more in training and education of its members. “SWAN should report and celebrate more of its own and turn them to national and global icons,” Mr Dalung stressed.