By Naomi Sharang
Abuja – The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, congratulated the leadership and members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) as they marked the association’s 53rd anniversary.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate president said SWAN had justified its existence through numerous achievements and contributions towards sports development in the country.
He noted that the body had not only grown as a sports watchdog but had also evolved over the years to become a critical stakeholder in effective sports administration in the country.
He urged SWAN to continue to be at the vanguard of advocacy to reposition the sports sector in the country.
He said “I urge the organisation to also create awareness on the need for sports’ funding to be solely undertaken by the private sector, while government should play the role of regulator.
“I am aware that SWAN is presently advocating for the establishment of a sports university in the country.
“I believe that this is the way to go as such a specialised institution, when realised, will help in no small measure to equip our sports men and women with cutting edge skills.
“The proposed Sports University would also help to build and equip a critical mass of sports administrators in the country in particular and the West African sub region in general.”
Saraki said this would no doubt raise the tempo of sporting activities in the continent and beyond.
The Senate president further urged SWAN to remain focused and dedicated to the ideals of nation building, adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession and help to promote all sporting activities in the country.
