Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaib Salisu, yesterday, donated working tools to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Ogun ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF)
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSF tagged Gateway 2025 is scheduled to be officially declared opened on Sunday, May 18.
Some of the items donated include bags, tags, jackets, water bottles, power banks, flash drives and writing pads.
Salisu, speaking after the donation, emphasised the importance of journalism to the state and its historic role in Nigeria’s media evolution.
He said that the gesture was part of efforts to help journalists deliver a world class media coverage and promote sports development in the state.
“This is the home of sports legends, Falilat Ogunkoya, Segun Odegbami, and Muda Lawal, so when a programme of this nature is hosted in our state capital, as a senator, the least I can do is to support the journalism practice,” he said.
Salisu, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, added that his visit was not only to empower journalists but also to show support to the state government under Gov. Dapo Abiodun.
He said: “I’m here to support the state government, I must come back once in a while to support the wonderful job that the governor is doing.
“The practice of journalism started not just in Nigeria, but in West Africa in 1859, and it’s started in Abeokuta.
“And therefore as a worthy ambassador of that legacy, anything that has to do with the potential to enhance the practice of the profession or to support the practitioners, I’ll clearly support”.
In his remark, Chairman of SWAN in Ogun, Michael Ogunsiji commended Sen. Salisu’s gesture, describing him as “a rare politician” who kept his promise to support sports journalists during the festival.
“When I met him late last year, he assured me of his support. He didn’t wait for a formal invitation; he walked into our secretariat unannounced and fulfilled his promise. We are grateful,” he said.
Ogunsiji also commended the ongoing support from the Abiodun-led administration, noting that the SWAN secretariat at the MKO Abiola Stadium is currently being upgraded by the state government.
He appealed to the senator for continued support in equipping the SWAN secretariat to serve as a befitting workspace for members.
Ogunsiji also charged Ogun athletes to uphold the state’s sporting heritage and aim for a top-three finish at the festival.
The NSF holds from May 16 to May 30 with over 15,000 athletes from states across the country expected to compete in individual and team sports. (NAN)
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