IBADAN – Rashidi Yekini Foundation (RYF) has pledged total support for the Oyo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The initiator and president of RYF, Barrister Jubril Mohammed, made this pledge on Thursday, when he paid a courtesy visit to the newly-elected Chairman of Oyo SWAN, Mr. Niyi Alebiosu, a Deputy Sports Editor at the African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Tribune titles at the Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan.
Mohammed said the purpose of the visit was to show solidarity for the new executives of Oyo SWAN saying RYF has been enjoying tremendous support from SWAN since 2013.
“We could notice that this esteemed association is faced with some challenges especially your secretariat and I’m assuring you that we will be of assistance in any area you need us.
“Though, I am here to felicitate with Mr Niyi Alebiosu and other executives. I’m happy that a staff of the oldest privately-owned newspaper in Nigeria won the SWAN chairmanship election and that is why we have brought the flag of RYF to the SWAN Chairman.
“RYF is my idea and I sold it to some people, which have been yielding positive results. We held an event last year where we presented the highest goal scorer of the Nigeria League last season, Gbolahan Salami with a special award here in Ibadan.
“Lagos and Kwara state governments have been calling to signify their intention of hosting the next Rashidi Yekini programme and we are working towards this direction. We will soon work it out as we want to continue with the Rashidi Yekini Golden Boot award.”
While, receiving the delegation, Alebiosu alongside Oyo SWAN assistant secretary, Alhaji Nurudeen Alimi, promised continued support for RYF on behalf of the association.
“I really appreciate this visit and I will convey your message to other members of the association, but be assured that we are behind RYF in every of your programmes.
“We all know the role the late Rashidi Yekini played towards the growth of Nigerian football and his support for SWAN. We will do everything humanly possible to support your Foundation,” Alebiosu said.
