Sports journalists call NSC, requires attention, recognition for years of hard work, dedication

Sports journalists call NSC, requires attention, recognition for years of hard work, dedication

Abuja (Core reporter) The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has invited the National Sports Commission (NSC) and other parties interested in giving recognition, support and long -term reward to Nigerian sports journalists who, for decades, have contributed significantly to the growth and development of sports in the country, often at personal costs.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the secretary general of Swan, the Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, on behalf of President Isaiah Benjamin, the Association denounced the abandonment of sports journalists by key actors in the Nigerian sports sector, despite their vital and visible roles.

The president of the swan observed that, unlike what is obtained in other parts of the world, the media in Nigeria are often left to their destiny, a situation that has described as frightening and unacceptable.

While highlighting the numerous contributions of tender toy sports journalists who play a vital role both in the initial and advanced phases of athletes, technical officials and administrators, President Benjamin said: “Journalists make their way through to participate and cover the procedures and others.

Citing the 2024 (Wafcon) 2024 Cof Nations Cup of 2024, Swan, Swan said that over 25 Nigerian sports journalists participated in the tournament through personal funding, not receiving institutional or government sponsorships.

“These journalists, in addition to covering the event, have also distinguished themselves as supporters passionate about the Super Falcons in the stands, amplifying the morale and visibility of the team during the competition.

“The experience of a normal sports journalist in Nigeria is so pathetic that a number of us pass a lot without obtaining assistance or rewards,” said President Benjamin.

He added: “Despite playing a leading role in the development of sport from month to month, year by year, journalists in Nigeria are very underestimated by the administrators, including those placed in high and strategic positions that should know better”.

President Benjamin praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors and past Nigerian leaders for having rewarded athletes and technical officials with money, houses and national honors for their results. However, he underlined that even the media, which play a fundamental role in speaking these successes, must be recognized.

“Yes, athletes and technical officials deserve to be rewarded and celebrated. However, journalists as humans, who have shown greater dedication in supporting sport growth, indeed for Nigeria, deserve more.

“In other climates, the government, business organizations and sports bodies make so much to ensure that sports media are treated by one way or another, but in Nigeria, also sports professionals, including highly placed officials in the then Ministry of Sports, now National Sports Commission (NSC), see the media as a mere performance – which wanted not to be.

“Most of the time, during the planning and execution of sports programs and activities, the administrators intentionally consider the media,” he said.

Referring again to the tendency to exclusion, Benjamin has questioned the reasons of the administrators who rely on the media during personal crises but avoided them in institutional commitments.

“Why do sports administrators behave as if sports journalists have no importance for them, yet they run on the same media every time they are under pressure for a certain personal enlargement?

“Why is the statement of” no funds “always increasing when the media should be part of crucial events, yet the administrators find a way to take care of their continuous comfort areas?

“In recent times, abandonment has taken a new dimension with the top hierarchy NSC, repeatedly excluded Swan, and in fact sports writers, from national and international sports commitments,” he said.

The president of the Swan urged the leadership of the NSC, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other federations to give priority to planning and inclusive investments not only in athletes and infrastructures, but in the well -being and integration of sports media as basic stakeholders.