Ace broadcaster and former Olympian, Malam Hammed Adio stated this on Friday in Ilorin at a one day Seminar organized by the Kwara Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for its members at the Conference room of the Sports Council.

Adio frowned at the way quacks are taking over journalism profession due to social media liberty.

He challenged sports writers to distinguish themselves from mere facebook administrators by embarking on research and historical background of sports to report to guarantee accurate and correct information of the game.

The former Olympian implored SWAN members to be sensitive and avoid the use of negative and derogatory languages in their reportage.

He noted that fairness, truthfulness, balance are the hallmark of a good sports reporter as facts are sacred and opinions are personal.

Adio reiterated that the job of Sports reporters is challenging, demanding, exiciting and could only be fulfilling if taking with absolute seriousness and all sense of determination and commitment.

Earlier, the Chairman of Kwara SWAN, Malam Jimoh Bashir appreciated Malam Adio for devoting his precious time to tap from his reservoir of Knowledge and believed that members have learnt would be put to practice without further delay.

Bashir who was elated with the academic exercise presented by Adio later announced him as an Ambassador of Kwara SWAN.

Also Speaking, the Chairman of Education Committee of Kwara SWAN, Bayour Issah said the seminar was geared towards broaden the knowledge of members to enhance effective service delivery in their various media organisations and will be a routine exercise from time to time.

The Education Committee of the Kwara Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has concluded arrangements and put together a seminar with the theme “The role of Sports Writers/Commentators in Sports Development” for members of the association.

According to a statement by the Secretary of the association, Olayinka Owolewa, on Wednesday in Ilorin, retired veteran journalist, Hammed Adio, will deliver a lecture at the seminar on Friday in Ilorin.

The statement said members are expected to be seated by 3:30pm on the said day as the programme would kick off from 4pm.

The statement quoted the chairman of the Education Committee, Bayour Issah, as urging members to be punctual and attend promptly.

Issah said the need to update members’ knowledge on what is required of them on the field was responsible for the call for the seminar.

He said Adio was chosen for the seminar because of his vast experience in journalism spanning many years tied with plenty success stories.

The statement said the event would take place at the Conference room of the Sports Council, Ilorin.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Jimoh Bashir and Assistant Secretary, Ayodeji Ismail expressed grieve and pain over the demise of Alhaja Rafatu which occurred on Monday.

 The body who described the exit of Alhaja Rafatu as a rude shock not only to her immediate family but to the entire Sports fraternity said her death came at a time when her elderly advice is needed, noting the vacuum created by her death will be difficult to fill.

Kwara SWAN prayed Allah to grant Mama eternal rest and give Mr Owolewa Olayinka and the entire Owolewa family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Sirawoo who expressed delight in the N 11,580,000 (eleven million, five hundred and eighty thousand) Naira that was earmarked for SWAN said the NFF was meticulous in ensuring that all the stakeholders in Nigerian football were duly captured.

He further noted that the gestured will in no small way enhance the cordial working relationship between the NFF and other stakeholders especially SWAN, even as he urged all the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grant.

“The leadership of the NFF has displayed a very high degree of transparency in the manner it handled the COVID-19 palliatives from its various sponsors by ensuring that all the stakeholders in the football development chain were captured.

“We in SWAN are particularly happy because this recognition will go a long way in ameliorating the impact of the pandemic which has slowed down the economic activities of the country.”

“We thank the President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick and members of his Board for this well-thought and timely gesture; our members have gone through various degrees of pains following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, we say thank you NFF” he declared.

The SWAN President also assured that he will ensure that all the members of the Association in its 37 state chapters were given their due from the amount.

He also urged the NFF to continue to work assiduously in its quest to enhance the development of football in the country “because football has remained one factor that has over the years held Nigerians together”.

Jude Opara – Secretary General