The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter, has criticised the Ministry of Youth and Sports for excluding the body from its press briefing ahead of Saturday’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier between the Falconets and Rwanda in Ibadan.
In a communique issued after its congress and signed by drafting committee chairman, Comrade Wale Olaniyan, Oyo SWAN described the move as a slight on accredited members. The body accused Commissioner for Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, of inviting non-sports journalists while sidelining SWAN members.
The congress demanded an apology, warned of a possible boycott of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) home matches, and announced steps to audit membership and sanitise its platforms. It also welcomed the Yoruba Sports Broadcasters Association (YOSBA) into cooperation under the SWAN umbrella.
The communique partly read, “The congress noted with disappointment that the Commissioner for Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, invited non-sports journalists to the event, sidelining accredited SWAN members.
“Oyo SWAN, however, demands an immediate apology from the office of the Commissioner for this act of exclusion.
“Furthermore, Oyo state SWAN, led by its chairman, Otunba Ayomikun Ajibola, holds the Oyo State Government in high esteem, but will not hesitate to bring our grievances to Governor Seyi Makinde’s attention regarding the treatment we’ve received from the Commissioner for Sports. This matter can only be resolved through an unreserved apology from the Commissioner to SWAN.”
The congress further unanimously called for oneness and solidarity amongst all members of Oyo SWAN, stating, “Members resolved to work together to avoid any cracks within the association, emphasising that a united front is essential to effectively addressing common challenges and advancing the interests of sports journalism in the state.
“The congress also stated that, henceforth, there will be a boycott of 3SC home matches over accreditation and disrespect to the body in the state.
“While expressing profound displeasure over the persistent accreditation bottlenecks and the disrespectful treatment meted out to its members during the home games of Shooting Stars Sports Club(3SC).
“Members strongly condemned the disrespectful remark to all NUJ and SWAN members by Mr Idris Animashun, an individual working closely with the club’s management, claiming he has authority over all journalists in Oyo state.
“Consequently, the congress resolved to commence an immediate boycott of all 3SC home matches and a complete media blackout until these issues are satisfactorily addressed and a formal apology is tendered to Oyo state SWAN.
“The body formally welcomes the Yoruba Sports Broadcasters Association (YOSBA) in its mission to uphold professionalism and promote the Yoruba language and culture under the umbrella of SWAN.
“Oyo SWAN pledges to work in unity with YOSBA for the growth of sports journalism in the state. And states categorically that there is no rift between SWAN and YOSBA in the state.
“To protect the integrity of the association in the state, the congress authorises membership audit and platform sanitisation.
“In a bid to ensure sanity and order, the congress resolves to conduct an immediate audit of its membership. All individuals who are not bona fide members of Oyo SWAN will be removed from the association’s official WhatsApp platform.
“This exercise is aimed at cleaning the platform and streamlining communication for genuine members,” the communique stated.
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