It was another fruitful deliberation for a progressive course as the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kogi State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development at the State Secretariat, Lokoja the State Capital.

Received by the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry, Hon. Idris Musa (Oando), the team was accorded a warm welcome with members feeling at home following the friendly environment created by the Ministry.

Hon. Idris Musa, while addressing SWAN, appreciated the body for its efforts so far at disseminating sports news to other parts of the State, the Country and the world at large.

Hon. Musa noted that, today grassroots sports have been receiving adequate coverage, courtesy of the new leadership of the body in the State.

He commended Aturu Bishop, the State Chairman of SWAN for the new lift being experienced since his assumption of Office, urging the body to continue in such light.

He enjoined SWAN to continue to do its best at reporting and promoting sports in the State to the outer world, stressing that there was always reward for good work.

“I have been listening to your radio presentations and reading your news on various bloggs and other media platforms, your activities thus far is highly commendable

“When you represent us well, you represent yourselves well because we are all Kogites

“As we are all expected to give account of what we are doing, let us also be mindful of what we do as well

“We know what the body did during the “Edo 2020″, all your activities have been highly motivating and the State government is grateful”

The Sports Commissioner assured of the Ministry’s collaboration with SWAN at all times, tasking the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Victoria Tafu, to always remind the Ministry to include SWAN in its programs.

In his contribution, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Slyvanus Akpama, applauded SWAN for living up to expectations, describing the body’s activities in the State so far as unprecedented.

Mr. Akpama stressed that collaboration with the body will go a long way at promoting sports in the State, assuring of a good working relationship between the Ministry and the body.

Earlier, the Kogi State Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Aturu Bishop, noted that the body was in the Ministry to make known, the new development of the body and also seek for collaboration with the Ministry to give sports a face lift.

“We are here to let the Ministry know that SWAN in Kogi State has gotten new Executive
and we are ready to work to achieve an ideal SWAN

“We are here to appreciate the Ministry for its doggedness at promoting sports in Kogi State even in the face of Covid-19 that Sporting activities in some States have been paralyzed and still struggling to rise

“We, as SWAN Members in Kogi State are also here to seek for roboost relationship with the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development

“We need more engagement with the Ministry at all times

“We are here for you and we promise to take ownership of the Ministry’s projects in terms of publication”

Bishop pointed out that the State Chapter of SWAN will continue to live up to expectations, adding that members cooperation so far has been the propeller to the successes achieved within a short period.

He added that the State SWAN will continue to promote grassroots sports, promote the welfare of Sports Journalists, amongst others.

The State SWAN Chairman also appreciated the Commissioner for being down to earth, as he’s always reachable at all times, urging him to sustain such tempo.

In a remark, Elder Sam Egwu of the Leadership Newspaper, describe sports as a unifying factor, capable of bringing people together to achieve a common goal.

“In sports, no religion, no ethnicity, no clan, no tongue, what matters most is to work as a team and ensure victory at the end of the day”

Elder Egwu noted that sports remain a focal point in every State, adding that according attention to the sector will get a lot of youths engaged positively.

Similarly, Odinmayo Olatunde of Grace 95.5fm and Godwin Wambebe of the State Broadcasting Corporation 94.1fm Lokoja, describes Hon. Musa as one of the most outstanding Commissioner of Sports the State has ever produced, following transparency in his activities and his friendship with the Press.

While urging the Commissioner to always carry SWAN along in the Ministry’s activities, they also promised to always promote the Ministry using various Media platforms.

The meeting was also attended by the Ministry’s Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) and the Media Aide to the Honourable Commissioner, Apeh Mordecai.

By Aturu Bishop

Poised on the need to support and encourage it contingent at the ongoing National Sports Festival holding in Benin, Edo State, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Idris Musa made a surprise visit to the camp of the state contingent.

The commissioner who was followed by administrative members of the ministry and Sports council thanked the contingent for enduring all the challenges faced so far.

Musa who addressed athletes and official welfare made known that the State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Yahaya Bello is working round the clock to ensure the state contingent are comfortable and well motivated.

He urged all athletes to be focus and not be distracted by any circumstances, adding that thier is always reward for hardwork.

While disclosing and assuring that the state government will recognise and reward all medalist, he added that he would personally give cash gift to outstanding athlete.

Similarly, the Director of Sports, Onipe Obakachi in his remark at the meeting thanked the Commissioner for his visit, stressing that his visit has changed the mood in the camp of Kogi.

He further disclosed that prior before his arrival, their was serious unrest as regards internal issues and some of the challenges faced by the athletes and officials as regards the festival organisation.

Onipe however promised the state of athletes and officials unflinching resolve to perform well and deliver beyond expectations.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, one of Kogi boxing medalist, Ekele thanked the State government and the Commissioner while assuring the State of athletes dedication to deliver medals.

Dr. Ayoade who doubles as the Chairman, Committee on Novelty Match assured that the football pitch will be put in good shape before the match takes place.

According to her, the novelty match which is at the behest of the Ex Super Eagles players was to show solidarity towards Governor Yahaya Bello`s Presidential ambition.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Idris Musa who is also the Chairman Sub-Committee on Stadium Renovation said that some of the obsolete facilities will be upgraded as soon as possible.

The Chairman of the Committee was accompanied on the inspection by other members.

It will recalled that Super Eagles set of 1994 and Olympics winning Dream Team paid a visit on Governor Bello and honored him with an award for his encouraging and motivating the youths.

Victoria Tafu
Public Relations Officer
MY&SD