SWAN Decries Lack of Investment in Youth Development through Sports, Urges Rethink

By Ikemefuna Asika

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has frowned at lack of deliberate investment in human capital development, especially in engaging growing youth population through sports development by some State Governments.

This was contained in their communique issued at the end of its National Convention held during the National Youth Games in Asaba Delta State.

This they noted prompted low/no participation by some states including Ebonyi, Gombe, Zamfara, Borno and Kebbi at the 9th NYG. Aside empowerment, SWAN emphasiszes the role of sports in curbing insecurity and improving citizens’ overall well-being.

The Association expressed delight with the sustained organisation of the National Youth Games by the National Sports Commission and enjoined its leadership to deploy enhanced means of checking age-cheat in a bid to achieve the desired essence of the grassroots sports development.

They commended Delta State Government for ensuring successful hosting of the just concluded NYG edition, while calling for improvements by the next host States.

They congratulated Lagos State for emerging overall winners at the end of the competition for the first time and commended Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Honourable Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Ogun State Commissioner of Sports Hon. Wasiu Isiaka as well as Engr. Musa Nimrod, President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation for bold initiatives and sustained media relations in Sports development approach.

Part of the communique stated ‘while wishing Enugu State Government success in hosting 2026 National Sports Festival, SWAN emphasises need for timely upgrade/renovation of sports facilities ahead of the biennial event.

“SWAN reiterates calls for inclusion of its Chapter Chairman in the Local Organising Committee of the festival as it obtained in previous editions”.

The Association also called on State Governments to facilitate access for Sports Journalists to cover sporting activities in their domain.

On robust membership drive, professionalism and participation, the association encourages members to ensure their up-to-date registration/renewal for ease of access to Games’ and other National competition venues/privileges, urging all
States’ Chapter leadership to ensure inclusion of women in the coverage of National competitions.

They also called on members to brace up for the celebration of its 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary slated for October, 2025, with a call for sponsorship and partnership drive.