Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalong has charged the leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to come up with sustainable mentoring programme so as to encourage the younger ones to develop interest in sports writing.
According to him, if such programme is not put in place as a matter of urgency, there could be dearth of fantastic sports writers in the nearest future.
Mr. Dalong spoke on Thursday night at the Gala/Awards Night marking the end of the 2015 FCT SWAN Week.
The minister, who expressed excitement at being able to attend the programme, said “There is need to develop mentoring policy. I will challenge this association to come up with a proposal on how we can develop grassroots writers club.”
Mr. Dalong, however expressed disappointment that FCT SWAN members were not time conscious, noting that the ‘Change Mantra’ of the APC-led administration was not only about fighting corruption but a complete change of attitude and the way we do things as a people.
He recalled being ready to honour the 6.30pm time given to him by the FCT SWAN leadership but was surprised when he was told to hold on for another one hour as the hosts, SWAN members were not at the venue yet.
As at the time the Minister called, only the SWAN chairman, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, his Secretary; Martins Odiete, a couple of members and the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi were at the venue.
The minister therefore, advised that as whistleblowers, they must be conscious of the way they comport themselves in the eye of the public, saying “Nigerians must change the way we behave.”
In his welcome address, FCT SWAN chairman, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, apologized to the Minister as he expressed delight that the minister despite being new has from day one demonstrated readiness to be media friendly and to work with SWAN.
He enjoined him to focus on programmes that could boost sports development across the country, assuring him of cooperation of the sports writers.
In his goodwill message, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, praised the sports writers for being worthy partners in the development and promotion of sports and football in particular.
Sanusi also used the occasion to on behalf of NFF President Pinnick Amaju, thank the federal government for always making funds available for prosecution of various international competitions.
Others who delivered goodwill messages were chairperson of Women League, Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyedinma and President of Cricket Federation, Mr. Onyeama.
The very colorful event also featured presentation of awards to individual and organizations that have contributed to the development sports in FCT in the last one year.
