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By Olayinka Elebute
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State (SWAN ) has condemned in totality, the exclusion of the body from Ministry of Sport Press Briefing for the hosting of FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between the Falconet and She Amavubi slated for Saturday at the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba in Ibadan.
According to a Communique issued after the SWAN Congress and signed by
Communiqué Drafting Committee Chairman Comrade Wale Olaniyan,
the Congress expressed its displeasure over the decision of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports to disregard Oyo SWAN during their press briefing held ahead of the Falconet vs.Rwanda FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match.
The Congress noted with disappointment that the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Wasilat Adegoke invited non-sports journalists to the event, sidelining accredited SWAN members.
Oyo SWAN however, demands an immediate apology from the office of the Commissioner for this act of exclusion.
Furthermore, Oyo state SWAN led by his chairman Otunba Ayomikun Ajibola, hold the Oyo State Government in high esteem, but will not hesitate to bring our grievances to Governor Seyi Makinde’s attention regarding the treatment we’ve received from the Commissioner for Sports, this matter can only be resolved through an unreserved apology from the Commissioner to SWAN.”
The Congress further Call for Unity and Oneness among members
While it unanimously called for oneness and solidarity amongst all members of Oyo SWAN. Members resolved to work together to avoid any cracks within the association, emphasizing that a united front is essential to effectively addressing common challenges and advancing the interests of sports journalism in the state.
The Congress also stated that henceforth, there will be a Boycott of 3SC Home Matches Over Accreditation and Disrespect to the body in the state.
While expressing profound displeasure over the persistent accreditation bottlenecks and the disrespectful treatment meted out to its members during the home games of Shooting Stars Sports Club(3SC).
Members strongly condemned the disrespectful remark to all NUJ and SWAN members by Mr. Idris Animashun, an individual working closely with the club’s management, claiming he has Authority over all Journalists in Oyo state. Consequently, the Congress resolved to commence an immediate boycott of all 3SC home matches and a complete media blackout until these issues are satisfactorily addressed and a formal apology is tendered to Oyo state SWAN.
The body formally Welcomes the Yoruba Sports Broadcasters Association (YOSBA) in its mission to uphold professionalism and promote the Yoruba language and culture under the umbrella of SWAN.
Oyo SWAN pledges to work in unity with YOSBA for the growth of sports journalism in the state. And stated categorically that there is no rift between between SWAN and YOSBA in the state.
In other to protect the integrity of the association in the state, the Congress authorize, Membership Audit and Platform Sanitization.
In a bid to ensure sanity and order,the Congress resolved to conduct an immediate audit of its membership. All individuals who are not bona fide members of Oyo SWAN will be removed from the association’s official WhatsApp platform. This exercise is aimed at cleaning the platform and streamlining communication for genuine members the Communique stated.
