One of the notable Nigeria sports journalists, Dare Kuti, has urged the States and Federal Government of Nigeria to honour veteran sports journalists who has contributed enormously to the growth of the sports industry.
Kuti revealed that the sports journalists who have been reporting sports for over two decades should be considered for special recognition by their respective State governments and Federal Government.
The 2019 Sports journalists of the year said despite the contributions of most veteran sports journalists, they end up being neglected by the sports sector.
Kuti said, “It is high time Nigeria starts recognizing Veteran sports journalists in the industry. I am appealing to the respective state government to honour some of these men who have continued to promote sports in their state.
“For example, we have some respected sports journalists, the likes of Kunle Solaja, Mitchell Obi, Femi Solaja, Godwin Enakhena, Oludare Esan, Gowon Akpodonor, who are doing excellently well in the private sector, but it’s time for them to be incorporated into the state or federal government as an adviser or contractor.
“I have seen and read where state/Federal Government set up committees on sports policies and individuals with high reputation are included but the journalists who are the image-makers are not carried along.
“For record purposes, we have sports journalists in the country who have sponsored themselves to over 6 AFCONS, 4 Olympics Games and 5 Commonwealth Games but not regarded for their contributions in reporting these events positively”.
“If these veteran sports journalists are not honoured by any of the three tiers of government in Nigeria, what future holds for the upcoming journalists in the country”, Kuti added.
