Promote Sports To Foster National Unity, Build Youth Capacity Stakeholders At SWAN @60 Urges
Sports stakeholders have renewed calls for Nigeria to harness the power of sports as a unifying force and a vital tool for youth development.
The appeal came at the ongoing 60th anniversary celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), in Abuja, where leaders and experts highlighted sports as a driver of unity, discipline, and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, addressed recent media reports alleging irregularities in a sports facility built under FIFA’s development programme.
He clarified that there was no corruption in the project, noting that FIFA, which funded the facility, had raised no concerns about its execution.
Dikko urged journalists to uphold accuracy and professionalism in their reporting, warning that misinformation could damage the credibility of sports journalism and impede sectoral growth.
He described as unnecessary the planned legislative probe into the project, insisting that donor agencies have established accountability mechanisms that, if disregarded, could jeopardise future funding opportunities.
On his part, Director-General of the National Sports Institute, Philip Shaibu, called for greater political commitment to sports development in Nigeria.
He cited Edo State’s transformation as proof that with the right vision and consistent investment, sports can become a powerful instrument for social and economic advancement.
Similarly, Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, underscored sports as a springboard for economic growth, revealing that the sector contributes approximately ₦38 billion to the nation’s economy through broadcasting, advertising, and related industries.
According to him, the media alone injects over $12 billion annually into the global sports economy through sponsorships, coverage, and content creation.
Olopade dismissed claims that sports make little contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, stressing that the sector generates both direct and indirect benefits, from job creation to tourism and streaming revenues.
He commended SWAN for its six decades of advocacy and commitment to sports promotion, saying the association has played a key role in amplifying athletes’ achievements and shaping national policy conversations around sports.
Representing the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Ekaette Unuoma Akpabio, at the event, Maltilda Sampson described sports as a powerful tool for youth engagement, particularly for the girl child.
She emphasised that sports nurture character, confidence, and resilience, helping young people to thrive beyond the field.
Mrs Akpabio celebrated the exploits of Nigerian sports icons Chioma Ajunwa and Tobi Amusan, saying their successes demonstrate that greatness knows no gender, only opportunity.
She, however, lamented the lack of access to sports facilities and support for many Nigerian girls.
She urged journalists to spotlight the stories of women athletes and challenged corporate organisations to invest in female sports development, describing such investment as “fuel for national progress, not mere recreation.”
“When Nigerian girls rise, Nigeria rises again,” she declared, drawing applause from participants.
The SWAN anniversary event served as a rallying point for stakeholders who agreed that sports, when properly harnessed, can unite Nigeria, empower its youth, and strengthen its economy.
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