The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Nigerians as the country celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday October 1, 2024.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, enthused that Nigeria from independence in 1960 has witnessed ups and downs in all spheres of its national life.
However, the number sports journalist noted that with over two hundred million people, Nigeria as the most populous nation in Africa can deploy its vast resources using sports as major economic driving force.
He said, “First of all, I want to congratulate Nigerians, particularly the sporting media on this auspicious day in the nation’s history. It’s supposed to be a proud moment considering the years that have come by. At 64, a man is fully matured after witnessing several developmental stages in life.
“For any country desirous of fundamental and genuine development in time, human capital development interest should be the major focus and sports being a big entrepreneurial/business drive globally has what it takes to turn around the fortunes of Nigerians.
“Again, the population of people in Nigeria has continued to grow geometrically with little plan to engage mostly young people. Nigeria’s abundant human talents and mineral resources can be channelled to tackle unemployment and give hope to many through sports like it obtains in other parts of the world.
“All that is now needed is the political will amidst implementation of practical policy geared towards harnessing teeming human assets in the over 40 different sporting areas. The truth remains that only sports have the vast opportunities to absorb and keep millions of youth busy, then give their lives meaningful living.”
While expressing optimism that the future could be better than the past and present, the SWAN President also tasked government at all levels to channel efforts towards addressing various societal menaces including insecurity through sports.
“Sports development is not just a Federal Government affair, political, business leaders and philanthropists have crucial roles to play. Nigeria recently participated at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games and returned home empty handed. Such disastrous outing shows that as a country, we have a long way to go.
“It’s time to make our population count among the comity of Nations and grassroots sports development is key in this regard,” he said.
The President of SWAN also congratulated the current leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for reaching two years since its emergence.
President Benjamin hailed NFF’s visionary leadership which has witnessed a turn around of the various leagues’ administration and called for sustainable approach and focus in the development of all aspects of Nigeria’s football drive, though Super Eagles have witnessed unexpected hiccups in their 2026 World Cup qualifying series, efforts should now be channelled towards ensuring they win remaining qualifier matches to brighten their chances of qualification at last.”
