A former Deputy National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Alhaji Sadiq Moyoyo, has called on the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, to appoint members of SWAN into key government positions to enhance the development of sports across the state.
Moyoyo made the appeal on Saturday, in Jalingo, during the official inauguration of Pastor Simon Attah as the new North East Zonal Secretary of SWAN.
He stressed that such inclusion would empower sports journalists to identify and groom young talents, especially those from rural areas, which he described as essential to reviving the state’s sports sector.
“We need to be encouraged to source for talent. That is the only way we can promote sports in Taraba. If we are supported, we can do more to expose the state and propel sports development both locally and nationally,” Moyoyo stated.
Drawing comparisons with the appointments of members from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) by the Kefas administration, Moyoyo emphasized the need to extend similar gesture to SWAN members, who he said have long contributed to the state’s sporting narrative.
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Also lending his voice, SWAN’s North East Vice President, Ahmed Amshi, urged the state government to recognize the state chapter of SWAN by involving its members in governance, noting that their expertise and grassroots reach could significantly boost sports journalism and infrastructure.
In his remarks, the newly inaugurated Zonal Secretary, Pastor Simon Attah, thanked the association for the opportunity and pledged to work in synergy with both the national and zonal bodies to advance SWAN’s objectives in the region.
He vowed to use his office to uplift the association’s image and increase its influence in promoting sports.
Earlier, the Taraba State Chairman of SWAN, Alhaji Sani Suleiman, commended the national and zonal leadership of the association for zoning the position to Taraba State, describing it as a well-deserved recognition for the chapter’s efforts and contributions.