Abuja:Isaiah Benjamin, President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has called for the establishment of sustainable sports structures to ensure lasting excellence in all sporting disciplines across Nigeria.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Benjamin’s message was delivered in his 66th Independence Anniversary address through SWAN Secretary General, Ikenna Okonkwo. He congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary and urged the Federal Government, state governments, sports federations, and the private sector to reposition sports as a strategic tool for youth development and national unity.
Benjamin emphasized the importance of supporting Nigeria’s sporting talents with structures capable of enduring beyond individual administrations. He highlighted the need for broad engagement involving various stakeholders including athletes, coaches, and the media.
He also advocated for stronger grassroots sports development, improved sporting facilities, and coaching development. Benjamin stressed that sports could offer young Nigerians opportunities in education, employment, and international exposure, while also engaging them productively.
Furthermore, he called for enhanced collaboration between the government and the private sector in sports development and reaffirmed SWAN’s commitment to responsible sports journalism, emphasizing the role of sports writers as stakeholders in the sector.
Benjamin concluded by urging the formation of a long-term framework for sports development, placing athletes at its core, and wished Nigerians a peaceful Independence Anniversary.