By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), at the end of its National Convention expressed delight with the sustained organisation of the National Youth Games by the National Sports Commission.

It frowned at the lack of deliberate investment in human capital development, especially in engaging growing youth population through sports development by some State Governments, which it added has prompted low and no participation by States like, Ebonyi, Gombe, Zamfara, Borno and Kebbi at the 9th NYG.

SWAN emphasised that apart from empowerment, the role of sports in curbing insecurity and improving citizens' overall well-being can not be quantified

The convention which had in attendance representatives from various states issued the following resolutions as drafted by a four man Communiqué Drafting Committee headed by Chimezie Anaso, SWAN Chairman, Anambra State Chapter, Abel Leonard, SWAN Secretary, Nasarawa State Chapter, Secretary, Communiqué Drafting Committee.

Others members of the committee include, Johnson Bassey, SWAN Member, Akwa Ibom State Member, Communiqué Drafting Committee and Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General, SWAN

The ten point communique read, "SWAN enjoined its leadership to deploy enhanced means of checking age-cheat in a bid to achieve the desired essence of the grassroots sports development.

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

"SWAN congratulates Lagos State for emerging overall winners at the end of the competition for the first time.

"SWAN frowns at lack of deliberate investment in human capital development, especially in engaging growing youth population through sports development by some State Governments, prompting low/no participation by States including Ebonyi, Gombe, Zamfara, Borno and Kebbi at the 9th NYG. Aside empowerment, SWAN emphasises the role of sports in curbing insecurity and improving citizens' overall well-being.

"SWAN commends Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Honourable Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Ogun State Commissioner of Sports Honourable Wasiu Isiaka as well as Engr. Musa Nimrod, President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation for bold initiatives and sustained media relations in Sports development approach.

"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.

"SWAN calls on State Governments to facilitate access for Sports Journalists to cover sporting activities in their domain.

"On robust membership drive, professionalism and participation, SWAN encourages members to ensure their up-to-date registration/renewal for ease of access to Games' and other National competition venues/privileges.

"Also, SWAN encourages members to maintain professionalism in their day-to-day discharge of duties.

"SWAN urges all States' Chapter leadership to ensure inclusion of women in the coverage of National competitions.

"SWAN urges 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."

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