By Our Correspondent in Abuja
The Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria ( SWAN); an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has rejoiced with Nigerians on the the nation’s 60th anniversary celebration.
The National Secretariat of SWAN has therefore urged Nigerians to continue to hold on to the democratic ideals of equity which it noted were core ingredients of nation building.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President of the Association, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona and the Secretary General, Comrade Mike Oboh, on Wednesday SWAN said: “We must all ensure, as patriotic citizens, to deepen our democracy and contribute to the progress and development of our country.
“October 1st, 2020, marks the 60th year of Nigeria’s freedom from British Colonial Rule with some level of personal and societal achievements in the country, and we must thank Almighty God for bringing us thus far,”the association said.
SWAN also called on Nigerians not to allow religion to divide the country but stand up for the promotion and dignity of humanity as well as mutual respect for one another’s faith.
” As we celebrate the 60th anniversary at a time that the world is grappling with the Coronavirus pandemic, this is an opportunity for us as a people to put our differences behind and pray fervently to God to halt the spread of the virus and to also pray for the progress of the country.
“The Sports Writers leadership leadership also commended members of the NUJand its members across the country for their contributions toward nation’s building since 1960.
” We must not forget that the 60th anniversary is not only a day to celebrate the nation’s achievements but it also offers us the opportunity to look back and see where we had not fared well in our journey to nationhood.
“As sports writers, we must salute the resilience and determination of the Pen Practitioners for living up to their constitutional responsibility, as the fourth estate of the realms,” it added.
The SWAN leadership lauded “the down to earth initiative” of the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, to honour sports Icons who excelled in Olympic Games, All Africa Games, Commonwealth Games or Africa Cup of Nations etc, as part of programmes to mark the nation’s 60th anniversary.
“We use this medium to restate our support to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, even as we also pray that the planned event be successful.
“It is also important to commend Sports Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Sports, NFF, Club Owners, Local Sports Administrators, other sports federations presidents and other key players in the industry across the country for their contributions towards sports development in Nigeria,”sports writers said.
Aigbona also praised President Muhammadu Buhari and other past governments of Goodluck Ebele Johnathan, Late Umar Musa Yar’adua, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; past and present state governors for their support to sports development in Nigeria.
The SWAN President called on the Federal, State and Local Governments to consider Sports as veritable tool for uniting the country, create employment for young people and boosting Nigeria social economics.
“Government at different levels must invest more in sports, in accordance with their respective capacities and make it a source of employment for the youths.
“Sports should also be considered as an avenue for revenue generation for the development of the country,” SWAN said.
