The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) South East Zone has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Enugu State government to reconsider their exclusion from the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
This appeal follows the announcement of the LOC on Wednesday, which did not include any representatives from the association.
In a statement issued by Ikem Asika and Kennedy Onwunali, the Vice President and Secretary of the Southeast Caucus of SWAN, the exclusion was described as regrettable and unacceptable.
“The South East Zone wishes to express serious concern regarding the establishment of the LOC for the 23rd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Enugu, which did not include any SWAN member,” the statement read.
SWAN leadership emphasized that sports writers are vital stakeholders in the industry and should be involved in its promotion, organization, and development.
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They highlighted that SWAN plays a crucial role in ensuring effective media coverage, public engagement, and strategic communication, all of which are essential for the successful execution of any major sporting event.
“The omission of SWAN members from the committee undermines these contributions and overlooks the association’s ongoing support for sports development nationwide.
“We therefore urge the NSC and the Enugu State Government to urgently review the committee’s composition and include SWAN representatives.
“This will promote a balanced and inclusive approach to organizing the 23rd NSF,” the statement concluded.
According to a statement from Kola Daniel, Special Assistant to the Director General of NSC, the LOC members include Bamiduro Olumide, Mary Onyali, Aku Akazu, Victor Okorie, and Blessing Ekwe, along with Davidson Owumi, Tony Ugwu, Chinedu Okorie, Jonathan Nnaji, Boniface Onovo, Ephraim Ochonma, and Obiora Obasi.
