The Nigeria Football Federation has once more called on the sporting media to set much store by developmental reporting, as well as those issues and programmes that will ultimately promote peace within the Nigerian Football family.
Speaking in Abuja at the weekend, NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire heaped plaudits on the leading lights of the profession, and said that as the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) celebrated 53 years in office, it would be gratifying to see the stalwarts of both traditional and social media emphasize on the issues that would better unite the football family and help the growth of the game.
“The Nigeria Football Federation has never claimed to be infallible. Board Members and Management toil each day and stay awake at night to see how Nigerian Football can achieve better results, and that development programmes are firmly on the rails.
“If there are mistakes at particular times, it only means they are human beings who can make mistakes. No person in a position of authority will deliberately go out to make mistakes. And when mistakes are made, the important thing is how those persons go about trying to rectify things.”
Olajire praised the media for its watchdog role, saying constructive criticisms are being taken to heart daily, but noted that peace and tranquility in the sector will be better fostered if rumours and mudslinging are kept out of the roster.
“The NFF remains grateful for the support of the media at all times, and for the focus on Nigerian Football. However, certain reports that have no basis leave a sour taste in the mouth. There was a report recently linking the NFF with the burial programme of the late wife of our Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports.
“Like other stakeholders in sports, the NFF sent a delegation to commiserate with the Honourable Minister over the death of his wife. Out of nowhere, some persons started saying the NFF was involved in the burial rites.
“Nothing can be farther from the truth. It is also unfair that people would start saying things like this when the number one sports leader in this country is mourning the demise of a dear one. We appeal that things like this should be avoided.”
