SWAN, critical to sports development in Nigeria says AU Mustapha

 


Deji

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Committee, Barrister Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), said that Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is a major unit with a huge role in the development of sports in the country.


Barrister Mustapha who stated this when he hosted the leadership of the Association in his residence on Friday, said for sports to grow in the country, Nigerian sports journalists must make it a duty to promote local contents.


He said that the non-appearance of Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar  cost the sports industry a huge loss of billions of naira.

Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of Foresight Football Academy, said, "I have respect for sports journalists because they are the image makers of the industry. For sports to grow in Nigeria, SWAN has a pivotal role to play in society because they are the mouthpiece of the producers and consumers of the industry.


"If you listen to or watch the Western world, they project the positive image of their sporting industry and it is paying off. The developed countries project the good news of their sports industry and relegate the negative news because they are aware it will chase away sponsors. 


"I am urging Kwara SWAN to set a pace by promoting all sporting activities positively and I want to assure you that sponsors will be attracted to the Association".

On the re-grassing of Kwara State Stadium, the football stakeholder said, "I believe this is one of the ways I can give back to the State. The State Government has been supportive and by the end of the day, the biggest winner is going to be the people of Kwara."


Earlier, the Chairman of Kwara SWAN, Ayodeji Ismail lauded Barrister AU Mustapha for his vision and mission in transforming football in the State.


He noted the football enthusiast has succeeded in taking a sizable number of youths and engaging them via his academy.


He said, "Kwara SWAN is happy to identify with you because you have done tremendously well in the football circle. SWAN is a respectable association in the world and the Association will use its platform to project the image of sports in the State.

"Kwara SWAN is embarking on capacity building for its members and the executive of the Association is reaching out to critical stakeholders like you for support. 


"SWAN has all the manpower and platform to showcase the activities of contributors to the growth of sports ", he said.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Ahmed Alfulani Urges Governor AbdulRazaq, Hon. Moshood Mustapha to Embrace Peace for Sake of Ilorin Emirate

Image
Dr. Ahmed Alfulani Urges Governor AbdulRazaq, Hon. Moshood Mustapha to Embrace Peace for Sake of Ilorin Emirate Ilorin-born radio broadcaster and founder of the Sebilu Najat Concept, Dr. Ahmed Olarewaju Alfulani, has appealed to Kwara State’s political heavyweights—Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Hon. Moshood Mustapha (MM)—to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the Ilorin Emirate. Dr. Alfulani made the appeal during his weekly radio programme Sebilu Najat, aired on Sobi FM Ilorin, urging both political gladiators to refrain from dragging each other to court over political disagreements and sentiments.  He emphasized that as traditional title holders under the revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, their actions are embarrassing to the emirate and undermine the dignity associated with their titles. The popular presenter—also a social media influencer and national TV personality—reinforced his message with Qur’anic references. He advised th...
Read more

Kwara United’s Shola Abdulraheem and Yahaya Ibrahim Join Flying Eagles Camp Ahead of WAFU Competition

Image
Kwara United’s Shola Abdulraheem and Yahaya Ibrahim Join Flying Eagles Camp Ahead of WAFU Competition Following their outstanding performances in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the President Federation Cup, Kwara United duo Shola Abdulraheem (creative midfielder) and Yahaya Ibrahim (energetic defender) have received national recognition, earning call-ups to the Flying Eagles (Nigeria U-20 team) currently camping in Abuja ahead of the WAFU tournament. The two players were instrumental in Kwara United’s historic run, helping the Harmony Boys secure their first-ever major national trophy—a feat that earned them widespread applause from fans and pundits alike. In separate interviews, both players expressed gratitude to Kwara United for providing them with a platform to showcase their talent, pledging to give their best in national colours. > “I'm elated with this invitation and ready to contribute my quota to the team,” said Shola Abdulraheem, whose creativit...
Read more

Emir of Ilorin to Turban Mohammed Baba Iliyas as Daudu Egbejila July 25

Image
Emir of Ilorin to Turban Mohammed Baba Iliyas as Daudu Egbejila July 25 Preparations are in top gear for the grand turbaning ceremony of Alhaji Mualim Mohammed Baba Iliyas as the 3rd Daudu Egbejila Wara Osin in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. The ceremony will be performed by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on Friday, 25th July 2025, at the Emir’s Palace, Ilorin, starting at 9:00 AM. According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee,  Dr Bola Moshood Otubu, the event will be preceded by a special lecture organized by the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria on Thursday, 24th July 2025, beginning at 4:00 PM, as part of the spiritual and cultural build-up to the historic occasion. On the day of the turbaning, a ceremonial procession will commence from Balogun Alanamu’s Quarters to the Emir’s Palace at 8:00 AM, marking the traditional passage of the Daudu-elect to his new royal role. Following the official ceremony, a...
Read more