64th Independence: SWAN Tasks FG On Progressive Sports Dev
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has tasked the Federal Government to deploy the country’s huge resources using sports as a major driving force to drive its economic prosperity
According to the Association; “It’s time to make our population count among the comity of Nations and grassroots sports development is key in this regard”.
In a message saluting Nigerians as the country celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, the SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, acknowledged that though Nigeria has witnessed ups and downs in all spheres of its national life since gaining independence in 1960, things can still change positively through the instrumentality of Sports.
In a statement signed by SWAN’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, said with over 200 million people, Nigeria can exploit its status as the most populous nation in Africa to make appreciable impact on the global stage and also grow the economy.
He said; “First of all, I want to congratulate Nigerians, particularly the sporting media on this auspicious day in the nation’s history. It’s supposed to be a proud moment considering the years that have come by. At 64, a man is fully matured after witnessing several developmental stages in life.
“For any country desirous of fundamental and genuine development in time, human capital development interest should be the major focus and sports being a big entrepreneurial/business drive globally has what it takes to turn around the fortunes of Nigerians.
“Again, the population of people in Nigeria has continued to grow geometrically with little plan to engage mostly young people. Nigeria’s abundant human talents and mineral resources can be channelled to tackle unemployment and give hope to many through sports like it obtains in other parts of the world.”
On the best way forward, the SWAN President said; “All that is now needed is the political will amidst implementation of practical policy geared towards harnessing teeming human assets in the over 40 different sporting areas.
“The truth remains that only sports has the vast opportunities to absorb and keep millions of youth busy, then give their lives meaningful living.”
Benjamin, who expressed confidence that the future would be better than the past and present, said government at all levels must be ready to channel efforts towards addressing various societal menace, including insecurity through sports.
Hear him; “Sports development is not just a Federal Government affair, political, business leaders and philanthropists have crucial roles to play. Nigeria recently participated at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games and returned home empty handed.
“Such disastrous outing shows that as a country, we have a long way to go. It’s time to make our population count among the comity of Nations and grassroots sports development is key in this regard”.
Also, the SWAN President used the occasion to salute the current Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for marking two years in office since its emergence.
While applauding NFF’s visionary leadership that has recorded a turn around in the respective local leagues’ administration, the SWAN Chief said Nigeria is in dire need of sustainable approach and focused development for of all aspects of its football
He said though Super Eagles have witnessed unexpected hiccups in their 2026 World Cup qualifying series, “efforts should now be channelled towards ensuring they win the remaining qualifier matches to brighten their chances of qualification at last.”
