The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan-Enoh has expressed his commitment to partnering with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and other stakeholders to reinvigorate the sports landscape in the country.
Owan-Enoh made this assurance during a courtesy visit to his office by SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin and a delegation.
Recognising the pivotal role the media plays in sports, the minister emphasized the significance of collaboration between sports ministers and associations such as SWAN for achieving success.
He acknowledged the importance of the visit, highlighting that it marked the first occasion an association or group had visited his office.
He stated, “The sports sector is one of the sectors that has dedicated journalists concerned about its development. The beginning step of anyone who would be a minister is this kind of engagement and I thank you for that.” Owan-Enoh expressed his commitment to leveraging this partnership effectively.
Owan-Enoh also underscored the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of sports writers to improve the quality of sports reporting. However, he encouraged SWAN members to uphold objectivity in their reporting and avoid sensationalism, which could potentially contribute to crises.
While pledging to rejuvenate the sports sector and ensure its rightful prominence, Owan-Enoh humbly acknowledged his human fallibility. He reiterated his commitment to transparent and fair leadership, vowing to diligently discharge his duties.
Responding, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin conveyed that the visit aimed to fortify collaboration and elevate the status of sports. He assured the minister of SWAN’s dedication to showcasing the achievements of athletes and administrators to the global audience.
Benjamin urged the minister to extend support to all sports federations, not solely focusing on football. He emphasized SWAN’s role in highlighting both successes and areas that require improvement.
Benjamin also assured the minister of SWAN’s unwavering commitment to ensuring his success through constructive engagement.
This meeting marked a positive step toward fostering cooperation between the Ministry of Sports Development and SWAN for the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
