Nasarawa state government says it will partner Sports Writers Association Nasarawa Chapter for the overall development of sports in the state.
The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Mr. Lucky Isaac stated this during a courtesy visit of SWAN members at the ministry’s conference room Lafia, the state capital.
The Commissioner while appreciating the SWAN members for their visit explained that the professional body which has been in existence for quite a very long time has made an identity of itself in journalism.
Mr. Isaac also acknowledged the fact that the Sports Writers Association had played a major role in reporting sporting activities in Nigeria and Nasarawa state is not left out, adding that he would do all he could to support the association and create a favorable working relationship towards promoting and sustaining sporting activities in the state.
The Commissioner who further confirmed that the stipend given is not much to take care of the needs of the association, pledged to discuss with his directors how the stipends will be improved.
He, however, appealed to SWAN, members to inculcate professionalism in reporting sports stories saying his office is always open for clarification to maintain the ethics of journalism while urging members to always report stories that would promote all-around sporting development in the state.
Promoting other sports
Responding to the activities lined up for the year, the Commissioner said the ministry would be dealing with the youth to take advantage of other sports in Nigeria.
“We will see how we can come up with beach soccer, so as to lessen concentration on football alone while promoting baseball and others.
“We want all the games that are forgotten to be restored because we have some of our youth who could play the games, but what we lack at the moment is coordination. The ministry can improve sporting activities in the state which is what we must do”, he added
He, therefore, charged members of SWAN to come up with ideas that would assist the government in youth and sports development in the state.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa state Chairman of SWAN, Mr. Isa Mohammed congratulated the commissioner for his well-deserved appointment, adding that the associations would give him the maximum support required to make work easy and further assured him of a good working relationship.
According to him “we are here to inform you that we are with you and we are going to support you to promote sports in Nasarawa state.”
The Chairman also highlighted some of the challenges faced by SWAN members in the state in the cause of discharging their duties ranging from lack of funds, not being always recognized for assignments, among others.
Emmanuel Ukoh
