SWAN, Heritage Times Partner On Grassroots Sports Development, Legends Compendium

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has started talks with the Heritage Times (HT), a notable global media platform, to advance the course of grassroots sports development in the country.

A statement signed by Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General of SWAN, said that the partnership would also ensure that the memory of active and late Nigerian sports icons were preserved through a well-harmonised compendium.

SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, who led a delegation to the Heritage Times headquarters in Abuja, was quoted in the statement as saying that the association would ensure that the partnership got the desired mileage.

Isaiah commended Publisher of Heritage Times, Mr Moses Siasia, for his determination and contributions in the media which had benefitted many journalists, including sports writers.

“You have continued to manifest as a shining light in both the media industry and other sectors within Nigeria and beyond. We are also aware of so many initiatives you have embarked upon to develop the potentials of young Nigerians.

“Indeed, such efforts reduce the pressure on the government to engage the young population. We can only urge you not to relent.

“It’s our desire to partner your organisation to do what you ordinarily have passion for in the area of discovery and empowerment of talented Nigerians.

“And there’s no other better means of engaging the youth meaningfully other than using sports as a tool.

“So, we are ready to go all the way with you and make more impacts across the country,” Isaiah said.

Siasia, while responding, pledged the readiness of his organisation to partner SWAN in using sports as a leading employer of labour across the globe to unify Nigerians through timely and regular use of media channels.

He said his organisation was ready to offer the needed support in strengthening the unity of the country through sporting tournaments at the grassroots, as a way of advocating peace.

Siasia said, “We should be thinking about how we can partner in grassroots football and basketball competitions, as well as other areas of sports.

“This should be open to the vulnerable, people who are exceptionally talented but lack the means; this should be a means to support them to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

“Also, in Niger Delta, North East, South East and other parts of the country, we can use sporting activities to foster unity among the people in these regions prone to crisis.

“Sports brings everyone together in the table of peace, so we must not neglect that,” he said.

On the proper documentation of the memory of late and living sports legends, Siasia stated that energy should be deployed in preserving the memories of legends of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

“You can do this so that our people can read and study. It is a way of preserving their history for the selfless services they offered to our country; the likes of Samson Siasia, Finidi George, Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Rashidi Yekini and those before them.

“We are ready to support all efforts to keep their memories alive, and this is the best we can do to appreciate them.”

Siasia urged sportswriters to use their pen to drive awareness and sell the Nigerian brand, especially the national premiership so that it can form a talking point in public discourse.

He tasked sportswriters to work tirelessly to leave a legacy for which they would be remembered for at all times. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi