The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Niger State Chapter, has commended the state governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, for ensuring the return of the state football team, Niger Tornadoes, to Minna.
The return of the Tornadoes to their home base has been a great relief to football fans and sports enthusiasts, as they now have the opportunity to watch their beloved team play home league matches at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium in Minna.
This was one of the resolutions reached at the last Congress of the state chapter, held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the IBB Pen House in Minna. SWAN, a key stakeholder in the development of sports, also congratulated Niger Tornadoes for their impressive performances in two recent home matches against Nasarawa United of Lafia and Bendel Insurance of Benin.
The association urged the state government to involve its members in all sports-related matters, including the appointment of officials to manage various sports segments, for better synergy. Members noted that involving sports writers in the state’s sports policies and programs would ensure Nigerlites are well-informed, educated, and entertained, while also highlighting the government’s achievements to the wider world.
SWAN members also observed that the revival of the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium would bring significant revenue, not only to the state government but also to private sectors like the hospitality industry.
Meanwhile, the Congress approved a three-month extension of the current executive committee’s tenure to allow for adequate preparation and conduct of elections. The Congress commended the exco for remaining neutral during the leadership crisis that affected SWAN at the national level for many years and called on all sports writers to validate their membership to enable the exco to conduct elections.
Additionally, the Congress mandated the exco to work closely with the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to ensure SWAN is fully involved in decisions affecting sports at both the local government and state levels.
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