Engagement with SWAN key to success – Sports Minister

Emmanuel Alfred

Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh says any Sports Minister who wshes to achieve marked success while in office must be ready to engage the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

He said this when SWAN members paid a courtesy visit to his office at the Sports Ministry at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday August 29, 2023.

The Minister acknowledged that this was the first courtesy call by any association or group to his office.

He said: “The sports sector is one of the sectors that has dedicated journalists concerned about its development and first towards that would be to engage and I thank you for that.

“All I came to hear about this ministry and about what SWAN can do to anyone sitting in this chair, it shows the importance of SWAN.

“I am going to make every effort that I can so that I don’t go wrong on that score,” he said.

Responding to a request from SWAN, he said, “You talked about capacity building, this is about one week one day that I have been sworn-in. If in the course of doing the work I find an opportunity that I can contribute to capacity building, I will not deny that opportunity,” he assured.

“But I am just human like every other being. I am not the Pope who doesn’t do wrong. I will be mindful about doing the right thing.

“If it relates with me on what I will do, it means I will have no problem. I will be providing transparent leadership that would be fair to everyone, I won’t have a problem,” he added.

He cautioned SWAN members against being sensational in their reports.

“I would like to urge you to urge your members to report me positively. Be objective as you can, not causing a crisis by being sensational. Thank you,” he urged.

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) President, Isaiah Benjamin who congratulated him for his appointment as Sports Minister said the visit is targeted at taking sports to greater heights.

“As partners in progress, we are available to ensure you succeed. It’s our job to promote both the athletes and administrators.

“Sports is a media event, if your achievements are not showcased to the world, not much will be achieved. We will tell the story better to the outside world, because that is our commitment,” he said.

SWAN President tasked the minister to give adequate attention to all the federations

“There are other federations making the country proud. As you pilot, we appeal you do all it takes to ensure all federations are supported. We will tell the world where you are doing well and tell you aspects you are not doing well.

“Always count on us to be readily available to listen to you. Whatever it is, we appeal to you to do it through the national body. Our commitment is sacrosanct to ensure you succeed.

‘The NYG is your first event, we will be on ground to ensure you succeed. One thing our members desire is capacity building, I believe you can support us towards that,” Mr. Benjamin said.

Other members of the body who accompanied the President on the visit, include, Secretary General, Ikenna Okonkwo, former Secretary General, Mr. Andrew Abah, his successor, Mr. Jude Opara, Elder Asueliemen Osasuyi, Elder Lucky Isawode. Leadership Newspapers Sports Editor, Salifu Usman amongst others.