The paramount ruler of the Idoma Nation and Vice-Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, Agaba’idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, the Och’Idoma, has urged the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to increase its advocacy for grassroots sports development across the country.
The royal father also called for closer collaboration between sports journalists and the traditional institution as a means of mobilising communities and fostering peace through sports.
He gave the advice on Saturday during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Committee of SWAN to his palace in Otukpo, Benue State.
The SWAN delegation was led by its President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, who presented a letter of appointment to the monarch, naming him as the national patron of SWAN.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday and made available to journalists in Makurdi by the Secretary of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, Adegbe Uloko.
According to the statement, the Och’Idoma, while accepting the appointment, said he regarded it not merely as an honour but as a responsibility.
“I accept this appointment not merely as an honour, but as a responsibility to support initiatives that promote unity, discipline and excellence through sports and the media,” he said.
He urged the association to intensify its efforts in grassroots sports advocacy, youth mentorship and ethical journalism, as well as policy reforms aimed at improving athlete welfare and sports administration in Nigeria.
“Let me further urge you to strengthen advocacy for grassroots sports development, youth mentorship, ethical journalism and policy reforms that would enhance athlete welfare and sports administration in Nigeria,” he said.
The monarch also stressed the need for synergy between traditional institutions and sports journalists.
“It is also my desire that there should be closer collaboration between sports journalists and traditional institutions. This is one of the means of mobilising communities and fostering peace through sports,” he added.
While expressing appreciation for the honour, the royal father commended SWAN for its over six decades of contributions to sports promotion, youth development and national unity since its establishment in 1964.
He described sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, social cohesion and nation-building, noting that the media plays a critical role in shaping values, inspiring excellence and preserving Nigeria’s sporting heritage.
Earlier, the SWAN President, Benjamin, said the decision to appoint the Och’Idoma as the national patron was informed by his commitment to peace, youth empowerment and national development.
He noted that the association looked forward to benefiting from the monarch’s wealth of experience, moral authority and leadership.
Benjamin reaffirmed SWAN’s commitment to professionalism, responsible journalism and the use of sports as a vehicle for positive social change across the country.
