Gateway Games: Place Premium Value On Media Involvement In Sports Development, SWAN Urges Ogun Govt, LOC

ABEOKUTA – Concerned by the poor media report of the forthcoming National Sports Festival, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State chapter has warned the state government and the Local Organizing Committee of the festival not to deviate from established standards that place premium value on media involvement in sports development.

The association noted that activities of the National Sports Festival are under reported in the media, thus creating communication gap within the social media space and the general public.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the SWAN Secretariat within the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

According to the communiqué jointly signed by SWAN Chairman, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, Secretary, Segun Folarin, and members of the communiqué drafting committee — Daud Olatunji (Chairman), Yetunde Fatungase (Secretary), and Babajide Adewunmi (Member) — the congress emphasized that modern media facilities are crucial to sustaining quality coverage of sporting events beyond the festival.

The congress also commended the recent upgrade of the MKO Abiola International Stadium but expressed concern over critical infrastructural deficit within the stadium that requires urgent attention.

These include dilapidated dressing rooms, the absence of a proper medical bay, and the lack of a designated media gallery.

SWAN also expressed dismay over the non-inclusion of a media centre in the current upgrade plan for the stadium, stressing that such a facility would benefit journalists and serve as a lasting legacy of the games.

Ogun SWAN equally applauded the state government for its infrastructural contributions towards the successful hosting of the upcoming National Sports Festival.

The association lauded the provision of world-class sporting facilities across the state, singling out the new swimming pool as a notable highlight.

It urged authorities to address outstanding facility gaps, particularly at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.

On the fate of the MKO Abiola Stadium after the festival, the congress advised the state government against plans to concession the facility. Instead, it called for the stadium to remain accessible to the public, noting its role in talent discovery and grassroots sports promotion, urging the government to put in place proper maintenance mechanisms.

While pledging a warm and supportive environment for all journalists covering the festival, the association also appealed to the government to include the SWAN Secretariat, situated within the stadium complex, in the ongoing reconstruction works to improve its standard and functionality.

The congress further urged the government to revisit the abandoned multi-million-dollar FIFA Goal Project located within the stadium premises.

The association noted that the project, fully funded by FIFA and implemented in other states, only requires land allocation by the state to commence.

The communique read in part: “the congress stressed the need for media gallery to be situated within the stadium for the smooth running and coverage of sports events even after the NSF.

“The congress reminds the state government on the abandoned multi – million dollars FIFA Goal project sited within the MKO stadium premises.

“This has no financial implication to the state government as the project will be fully funded by FIFA. This project has been sited in some other states, hence, we appeal to the state government to allocate land for the commencement of the project.

“The congress is concerned that the state government did not deem it fit to construct a media centre at the MKO stadium. Such a media centre will not only be beneficial to journalists during the games but will outlive the games for years to come.

“It must be reiterated that this is a media event that deserves huge publicity for its gains to manifest effectively. Ogun State should not deviate from the norm.

“The congress urges Ogun state government to refrain from concesioning the MKO Abiola International stadium after the festival.

“We urge the government to make the facility open for use by the general public for talent discovery and promotion of sports.”