Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter (Lagos SWAN) chairman, Debo Oshundun has expressed gratitude to Lagos State Sports Commission for accepting the placement of 37 members of the body in various sports associations.
Sports247.ng can report that Oshundun is very delight, as the Lagos SWAN boss said the development is worthy of praise for Lagos Sports Commission executive chairman, Dr Kweku Tandoh and his board for agreeing to carry sports writers along as media officers.
According to the list compiled by Lagos SWAN approved by Lagos State Sports Commission, one of Nigeria’s best Athletics reporters, Charles Ogundiya will work with Lagos State Athletics Association while Adefeso Femi will be in charge of basketball.
Other selected Lagos SWAN members include Dele Oshodi-Glover (Boxing), Anthony Bekederemo ( Badminton), Philip Adefioye (Baseball/softball), Jacob Ajom (Cricket), Monica Iheakam (Cycling), Femi Solaja (Chess), and Ignatius Ajuonoma (Darts).
The list also includes Adebayo Latifat (Deaf Sports), Friday Adikwu (Fives), George Gift (Golf), Idowu Olatoye Joseph (Gymnastics), Yinka Adedipe (Handball), Ijeoma Uchegbu (Hockey), Kemi Ajayi (Judo), Cosmos Chukwuemeka (Kick boxing), Chidibiere Ezeani (Kung fu), Jerome Obuninta (Karate), Kunle Adeyeye (Other Para Sports), and Philip Oyede (Para Athletics).
Also included are Taiwo Hussein (Para Soccer), Sheriff Owolabi (Para Powerlifting), Blessing Nwosu (Rowing & Yachting), Gloria Adeshi (Rugby), Cecelia Omorogbe (Scrabble), Ronke Ojediran Lawal (Squash), and Oluchi Tobechuckwu (Shooting).
Concluding the roll call are Alfred Okoligw(Swimming), Andrew Ekejiuba (Traditional Sports), Rahmon Abolore (Triathlon), Taiwo Adelu (Tennis), Mudashiru Shittu (Table Tennis), Patrick Ibeh (Taekwondo), Enitan Obadina (Volleyball), Sadiq Martins (Wrestling) and Akeem Lawal (Weighlifting).
Oshundun thanked Tandoh for deeming it fit to actively involve sports writers in the formation and day to day affairs of Sports in Lagos and reiterated the maximum support from Lagos SWAN.
He said the sports writers’ leadership and members are all committed to the growth of sports in Lagos State, and enjoined other states to take a cue from the development.
Oshundun described it as a timely move that will enhance an increased media visibility and create the necessary awareness for sports to attract more participation and corporate investment in Lagos State Sports Associations.
He then charged the appointed Lagos SWAN members to be worthy ambassadors of the profession and association which has continued to blaze the trail in sports reportage in Nigeria.
Oshundun added: “In recent times, the activities of the sports associations have not been widely publicized and documented.
“This had for long projected a false picture of inactivity of our sports associations to Lagosians.
“The latest attachment of verified media practitioners will not just help out in media relations with the fourth estate of the realm, but will also accelerate the development of sports in Lagos.
“This is another unique opportunity to justify the confidence reposed in Lagos SWAN by the leadership of the LSSC.
“We enjoin our members to shun politicking and carry out their duty professionally.”
