Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has applauded the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare for his contributions to the development of the sector since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The body under the leadership of Comrade Ahmed Aigbona after its virtual meeting in a statement said the minister and the Edo State government deserved applauses after the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Edo state despite the challenges in the country.
In the communiqué signed by its deputy president, Malam Ado Salisu, Vice president North Central, Mr Emmanuel Ujah and Secretary General, Mike Oboh stated that the body was not part of a factional group which claimed that Mr. Dare was not media friendly as he has exhibited since his appointment to be on the same page with sports journalists across the country.
It also passed a vote of confidence on the Sports Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare for his efforts in managing the crisis that erupted during the game due to the demand of the host state to get some financial relief from the Federal Government.
SWAN stated that the claim by the group formed in Port Harcourt under one permanent secretary in the Rivers state cannot hold water as it was laced with blackmail, as SWAN affiliated to the Nigeria Union of Journalists will continue to strive with the sports minister in repositioning sports development in the country as he has displayed since assumption of office.
It stated that it was clear from their claim that the 20th National Sports Festival held in Benn city the Edo Capital, was the worst ever hosted by any state as statement of falsehood despite the festival witnessed the attendance of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with the best of sports facilities in venues were the games were held despite the COVID 19 pandemic.
SWAN also noted that the minister’s relationship with the sporting press cannot be damaged by few individuals who are masquerading as sports journalists in the country to soil the working relationship between the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development and Edo State government
