The Nigeria Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria ( SWAN); an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), rejoices with Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 60th anniversary celebration.
The National Secretariat of SWAN urged Nigerians to continue to hold on to the democratic ideals of equity which are core ingredients of nation building.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President of the Association, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona and the Secretary General, Comrade Mike Oboh, on Wednesday states: “we must all ensure, as patriotic citizens to deepen our democracy and contribute to the progress and development of our country.
“October 1st, 2020, marks the 60th year of Nigeria’s freedom from British Colonial Rule with some level of personal and societal achievements in the country, and we must thank Almighty God for bringing us thus far.”
SWAN also called on Nigerians not to allow religion to divide the country but to stand up for the promotion and dignity of humanity as well as mutual respect for one another’s faith.
” As we celebrate the 60th anniversary at a time that the world is grappling with the Coronavirus pandemic, this is an opportunity for us as a people to put our differences behind us and pray fervently to God to halt the spread of the virus and to also pray for the progress of the country.
As Sports Writers; an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ). SWAN leadership commends members of the Union and its members across the country for their contributions towards nation’s building since 1960.
” We must not forget that the 60th anniversary is not only a day to celebrate the nation’s achievements but it also offers us the opportunity to look back and see where we hadn’t fared well in our journey to nationhood. As sports writers, we must salute the resilience and determination of the Pen Practitioners for living up to their constitutional responsibility as the fourth estate of the realms.”
The SWAN leadership lauded the down to earth initiative of the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Sunday Dare to honour sports Icons who have excelled in Olympic Games, All Africa Games, Commonwealth Games or Africa Cup of Nations etc, as part of programmes to mark the nation’s 60th anniversary.
“We use this medium to restate our support to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, even as we also pray that the planned event be successful.
“It is also important to commend Sports Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Sports, NFF, Club Owners, Local Sports Administrators, other sports federations presidents and other key players in the industry across the country for their contributions towards sports development in Nigeria.
Comrade Aigbona also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari and other past governments of Goodluck Ebele Johnathan, Late Umar Musa Yar’adua, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; past and present state governors for their support to sports development in Nigeria.
The SWAN President called on both the Federal, State and Local Governments to consider Sports as veritable tools for uniting the country, create employment for young people and boosting Nigeria social economics.
“Governments at different levels must invest more in sports, in accordance with their respective capacities and make it a source of employment for the youths. Sports should also be considered as an avenue for revenue generation for the development of the country”, the statement concluded.
