The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has urged Nigerian sports writers to avoid publishing toxic reports about sports, as such reports can discourage private sector investment and tarnish the nation’s image globally.
Mallam Dikko made this call when members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) paid him a courtesy visit at his office in the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, recently.
Highlighting the role of sports as a unifying force, Mallam Dikko noted the critical role of the media in shaping public perception. He urged sports writers to align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which seeks to drive the growth of sports in Nigeria.
The Chairman stressed that positive reporting could foster the development of the sports industry and attract much-needed private sector investment.
“The media is a key driver of the sports ecosystem. Your positive stories will not only promote the industry but also boost your growth as stakeholders. If the industry grows, you grow; if it shrinks, you shrink. Your future lies in the development of sports,” he stated.
Mallam Dikko encouraged sports writers to consult relevant stakeholders and clarify issues before publishing reports, especially on potentially damaging matters. He warned against sensationalism in reporting.
“We need to be focused. If you come across any negative information, let’s discuss it and address it internally before it becomes sensational. Let’s work together to clarify issues and move the sector forward,” he urged.
The Chairman also called for a shift from measuring sports success solely by medal wins, emphasizing the need to focus on creating a sustainable framework for the economic development of sports in Nigeria.
“We need to reset our priorities. The success of sports should not only be judged by competition wins but also by the foundational structures and frameworks we put in place. Development is as important as success, and the media must help us in changing this narrative,” he explained.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olapade, commended SWAN for their dedication to unbiased coverage of sports activities and encouraged them to align with the mission and vision of the newly created Sports Commission.
Earlier in his address, the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, expressed the association’s commitment to working with the Commission to promote sports development.
He announced the association’s upcoming Diamond Jubilee celebration and sought the Commission’s support to ensure the celebration’s success.
Mr. Benjamin also advocated for the inclusion of SWAN representatives on the boards of National Sports Federations and their participation in local and international events organized by the Commission.
The meeting reinforced the importance of collaboration between the media and the NSC in achieving sustainable sports development in Nigeria.
Both parties pledged to work together to ensure the sports sector reaches its full potential while maintaining a positive image both locally and internationally.
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