A notable figure in Nigerian sports administration and president of Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has emphasized the vital role of media in advancing sports development in Nigeria.
He made the call at the public lecture on the 60th Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) held in Abuja yesterday. The event marked a significant initiative aimed at drawing public attention to how governance, partnership, and investment can be bolstered through effective media engagement.
In his opening remarks, Runsewe expressed gratitude to SWAN for its enduring commitment to responsible sports journalism over the past 60 years. He emphasised the indispensable position of the media as the “fourth estate” of the realm, citing its power to act as a watchdog, inform the public, and foster national unity through sports narratives.
“Media’s influence in shaping societal norms and expectations is profound,” Runsewe stated. “It serves not only to monitor compliance with established standards but also to drive institutional development by setting agendas for the government.”
Delving deeper into the topic, Runsewe highlighted several areas where SWAN can strengthen its efforts.
He implored the association to focus on enhancing sports governance, noting the need for transparency and accountability within the institutions such as the Ministries of Sports Development, the National Sports Commission, and various sports federations. He advocated for the use of investigative journalism to hold these bodies accountable and to spotlight areas ripe for reform.
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of building robust partnerships among stakeholders in the sports sector, which includes athletes, sports federations, sponsors, and fans. “SWAN can foster collaboration through regular stakeholder forums and networking events,” he noted, emphasising the potential for dialogue and collective action.
Investment in the sports sector was another critical aspect of Runsewe’s discussion. He enumerated multiple avenues for investment, ranging from sports infrastructure and facilities to sports tourism and media initiatives. He urged SWAN to highlight investment opportunities and successful case studies that could attract potential sponsors.
“By showcasing the economic benefits of investing in sports, and by using social media to promote successful ventures, we can create a thriving ecosystem for development,” he asserted.
In conclusion, Otunba Runsewe called for a renewed dedication from SWAN to leverage the power of the media to reinforce governance, foster partnerships, and drive investment in Nigerian sports. His poignant remarks echoed the urgent need for collaborative efforts in harnessing the media’s potential to transform the sports landscape in Nigeria.
The event saw participation from various stakeholders, reaffirming the collective commitment to reshape the narrative of Nigerian sports through enhanced media involvement. With a shared vision for the future, the attendees left with a sense of purpose, ready to champion the cause of sports development in the nation.
