The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has called on the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to play a pivotal role in promoting the Commission’s innovative vision for Nigerian sports.
He made this appeal while receiving a delegation from the Abuja chapter of SWAN, who visited to express their gratitude for his longstanding support, particularly during the recent SWAN Week.
In his remarks, Dikko highlighted the critical role of sports writers in reshaping public perception of the NSC’s new direction. “We are taking a path that has never been traveled before.
It will be strange to many because they are not used to it,” he stated, adding that SWAN’s partnership is essential in communicating this shift from a competition-driven to a development-driven sports ecosystem.
Dikko emphasized that the collaboration between the NSC and SWAN is crucial for achieving the goals set under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“If we have to change the narrative, a lot depends on sports writers to help people understand this new direction. See yourselves as our partners in this process,” he said.
He assured the delegation of open communication with the Commission, urging them to seek clarifications on policies before making them public.
“Our doors are wide open. Speak to us if you see anything you don’t understand or need clarification on,” Dikko encouraged.
The chairman highlighted the steps the Commission is taking to transform Nigerian sports, including specific budget allocations for athlete preparation, infrastructure development, and anti-doping initiatives.
He emphasized that sports writers are key to driving public awareness and acceptance of these initiatives.
“You know when you are going to a place people are unfamiliar with, they ask, ‘Where are you going?’ SWAN will help us point the way and enlighten the public about the journey ahead,” Dikko explained.
Earlier in the meeting, SWAN Abuja Chairman Kelechi Onwudiwe expressed gratitude for Dikko’s unwavering support over the years, describing him as a long-standing ally of sports writers.
“You have always been there for us, and you demonstrated that again during this SWAN Week. Whatever you need to succeed, if it’s in our hands, we will give it to you,” Onwudiwe assured.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaborate in driving the NSC’s ambitious sports agenda.
Dikko concluded the session by emphasizing the importance of unity among all stakeholders, with sports writers as key drivers of change.
“We are changing the narrative, and very soon, the results will speak for themselves,” he said, underscoring the pivotal role SWAN will play in ensuring the success of the new vision for Nigerian sports.
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