The FCT Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has enjoined the Minister of Sports development to stop passing buck on the failure of team Nigeria at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
The Sports Writers in the nation’s capital categorically asked the Sports Minister to take full responsibility and desist from the blame games we have been seeing since the country’s shameful Olympics outing.
This was contained in the communique issued on Sunday, August 18th at the end of the Congress by SWAN FCT in Abuja.
Read the full Communique.
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE INAUGURAL CONGRESS OF THE SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA, (SWAN), FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY CHAPTER HELD AT THE MKO ABIOLA STADIUM, ABUJA ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2024
Following comprehensive and thorough deliberations by FCT SWAN, the following resolutions were adopted:
- Attending members commended the new FCT SWAN executive, under the leadership of Chairman Kelechi Onwudiwe, for its open-door policy and transparency while assuring their readiness to continue supporting and partnering with the noble association.
- The FCT SWAN Congress recognizes and appreciates the national body’s efforts toward resolving the crisis within the FCT Chapter and facilitating the emergence of new leadership.
- The FCT SWAN also acknowledged and congratulated the return of former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia following the completion of his five-year FIFA ban. The association encouraged him to bring his extensive coaching expertise to advance football development in Nigeria.
- The FCT SWAN also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the unprecedented allocation of 12 billion naira towards the execution of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris. This historic investment reflects a strong commitment to the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
- However, the Congress solidly aligns with the stance of National SWAN and expressed disappointment over Team Nigeria’s poor performance. It denounced the subsequent blame games and scapegoating in strong terms. FCT SWAN urges Sports Minister Senator John Owan Enoh to take responsibility for these outcomes and focus on finding solutions rather than engaging in blame-shifting. It also advised the minister to engage FCT SWAN directly rather than resorting to divisive tactics with third parties.
- The FCT SWAN further calls on athletes and officials of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria to pursue excellence with determination and make Nigeria proud through their performances at the upcoming Paralympics.
- The FCT SWAN wished the FCT Sports Council successful participation in the forthcoming National Youth Games while calling on the current FCT administration to make adequate preparations for podium success and provisions for all participants, including sports journalists who will ensure effective coverage.
- The FCT SWAN lauded the Nigeria Football Federation for its collaboration with the media and commitment to football development but urged the President Ibrahim Gusau-led board to resolve the Super Eagles and Super Falcons coaching futures as soon as possible to ensure the country’s success. The Congress reiterated its support and best wishes to the NFF leadership as it strategizes for a successful Super Eagles qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as upcoming Under-20 and Under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaigns in Colombia and the Dominican Republic, respectively.
- The FCT SWAN frowned upon shady handlers and saboteurs collaborating with major government agencies and parastatals to shortchange the association while calling on corporate bodies, sports federations, the NFF, and the Sports Ministry to engage with the new executive as a unified FCT SWAN rather than with individuals or factions.
- The FCT SWAN further resolved that it deserves the highest regard as a valued sector and stakeholder from the Sports Ministry, sports federations, and all relevant sporting agencies in all interactions.
- The FCT SWAN also resolved to engage the defunct Bunmi Haruna-led faction to ensure a seamless return of all SWAN properties in his possession, including the bank account.
- Finally, the FCT SWAN extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of National President Isaiah Benjamin, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar, Albert Akota, and Lawrence Nwachukwu for their recent losses.
Communiqué Drafting Committee
Ben Ogbemudia – Chairman;
Taofeek Lawal – Secretary;
Slyvanus Ofekun – Member; Signed :
Samuel Ahmadu,
Secretary, FCT SWAN
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