Kogi Govt. Tasks Sports Writers On Grassroot Sports Development
Sports Writers in Kogi State have been urged to use their professional calling to promote grassroot sports development in the state.
The Director General, Protocol, Kogi State Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim gave the charge while receiving members of the State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN in his office, on Wednesday.
Alhaji Ibrahim said the state government recognizes the indispensable role of sports writers in promoting grassroot sports in the state, and would provide the necessary and conducive atmosphere for sports writers to thrive.
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He also used the opportunity to solicit more supports for the policies and programs of the current administration under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, promising that the state government would prioritize sports.
“I am particularly happy that SWAN has woken up again, and is waxing stronger. So I must commend your effort aimed at sustaining SWAN in Kogi State.
I want to assure you that under the administration of Gov Ahmed Usman Ododo sports will be a priority. Sports will continue to be a priority.”
“I also assure you that as an Association saddled with the responsibility of reporting sports in Kogi State, His Excellency will carry you along in whatever we are doing, especially in the sports sector.
“We are not going to close our eyes to the fact that we have a body like SWAN in the state.
I want to assure you that whatever SWAN will need to project the policies and programs of the State government in the Sports sector will be given to you.”
“Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is also a Sportsman. He also enjoys sports alot. You have nothing to fear. he’s going to carry everybody along by the special grace of God, SWAN will wax stronger under this administration.”
Earlier, the State Chairman of SWAN, Bishop Aturu congratulated Alh. Suleiman Ibrahim on his appointment as Director-General, Protocol, Government House, and also pledged the solidarity and support of the body to the new administration in the state.
He acknowledged the DG’s exploits in the broadcast sector particularly in the sports arena where he distinguished himself as a veteran, arguing that it was a tonic that has continued to spur the younger generation in the industry.
He explained that the aim of the visit was to create the awareness and establish a common ground between sports writers and the state government in reviving and promoting grassroot sports development in the state.
He decried the high level of infrastructure decay in sports, blaming those responsible for not paying due attention to the facilities which could be used to harness talents, and groom them into world-beaters.
He said as Sports writers, SWAN had a significant duty to expose the rots in the sector and their negative impact to the development of Sports, hence appealed for government’s immediate actions to reverse the trend.
Comrade Aturu promised that sports writers in the state will continue to promote and sustain the existing healthy relationship with all stakeholders in the sports sector to further enhance its growth
The chairman appealed to the state government to carry journalists along in their programs and planning process, stressing that it was important and necessary for the partnership to showcase its policies and programs.
Again, he assured the state government that as partners in progress, it would ensure that the present administration succeeds in its onerous task of developing grassroot sports in the state.
