The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) South East Zone has called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Enugu State government to revisit their exclusion from the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
SWAN made the call while reacting to the constitution of the LOC on Wednesday, without a representative of the association in its membership.
In a statement signed by Ikem Asika and Kennedy Onwunali, Vice President and Secretary of the Southeast Caucus of SWAN, described the exclusion as unfortunate and unacceptable.
“South East Zone wishes to express serious concern over the inauguration of the LOC for the 23rd NSF in Enugu, without the inclusion of any SWAN member,” it said.
The SWAN Leadership said Sports Writers were critical stakeholders in the sector and should be involved in its promotion, organisation, and development
According to them, SWAN plays an essential role in ensuring effective media coverage, public engagement, and strategic communication; these are key components in the successful execution of any major sporting event.
“The failure to include SWAN members in the committee undermines these contributions and disregards the association’s consistent support for sports development across the nation.
“We, therefore call on the NSC and the Enugu State Government to, as a matter of urgency, review the composition of the committee and include representatives of SWAN.
“This will ensure a balanced and inclusive approach to organising the 23rd NSF,” it said.
According to a Statement by Kola Daniel, SA Media to the Director General of NSC, the members of the LOC were Bamiduro Olumide, Mary Onyali, Aku Akazu, Victor Okorie and Blessing Ekwe.
Others were Davidson Owumi, Tony Ugwu, Chinedu Okorie, Jonathan Nnaji, Boniface Onovo, Ephraim Ochonma and Obiora Obasi.
