The Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has lauded the state government for its renewed investment in sports development ahead of the National Sports Festival but raised urgent concerns about the need for comprehensive upgrades at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta.
In a communiqué issued after its congress, the association commended the infrastructural improvements undertaken by the government in preparation for the upcoming national event. However, it expressed disappointment over the neglect of key areas within the stadium, particularly the lack of modern media facilities, which are essential for effective sports journalism and real-time coverage.
SWAN emphasized that the current state of the stadium falls short of modern standards, especially in terms of media engagement. The association voiced strong concern over the exclusion of a media center in the ongoing renovation plan, stressing that such an omission undermines the critical role of journalists in promoting sports development. It urged the government to integrate a dedicated media gallery into the stadium’s structure to ensure optimal post-festival event coverage.
Additionally, the association reignited the call for the reactivation of the FIFA Goal Project within the MKO Abiola Stadium premises. According to SWAN, the project, which has already been successfully implemented in other states and will be fully funded by FIFA, only requires the allocation of land by the state government to take off. They stressed that neglecting such an opportunity would be a disservice to the state’s long-term sports development goals.
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The association also warned against any plans to privatize or concession the stadium after the festival, insisting that the facility should remain publicly accessible to foster grassroots sports, nurture emerging talents, and preserve it as a hub for community engagement.
SWAN pledged to provide a welcoming environment for journalists and media professionals during the festival, while also advocating for greater collaboration between the government and the SWAN Secretariat during and after the stadium’s redevelopment.
The association urged the Ogun State Government to take a holistic approach to stadium rehabilitation, one that reflects global standards and includes the voices of media stakeholders, thereby positioning Ogun as a leading sports destination in Nigeria.
