Ayodeji Ismail: Kwara United appoints veeran broadcaster as Head of Communication

 

The Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail has been appointed as media officer of Kwara United FC, following the resignation of its former officer, Jimoh Bashir, who was recently appointed as coordinator, ABS Football Club.

The move by the state funded club, according to pundits, is to further shore up its media visibility ahead of the new season.

Ayodeji is coming into the job with several years of media experience. 

Soft spoken, suave and urbane, the SWAN chairman is a trained broadcaster, seasoned blogger with solid experience in social media management.

"We expect Ayodeji Ismail to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the image of our darling club”, Wale Obalola the Secretary of Kwara United FC while handing the letter of appointment to the journalist in Ilorin at a short media ceremony.

Expressing gratitude for the privilege, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail admitted that the job is not only for him.

"SWAN and the entire media community in Kwara have been given an assignment and we will approach the task with all seriousness and I promise not to disappoint.

"Football and media feed off each other and can't be separated.

"I am especially grateful to the club management led by Kumbi Titiloye and I will not let him and Kwara United down," he said.

Kwara SWAN inaugurates committee for 2024 Media Games/Week

 

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter has appointed committee members for the upcoming SWAN Games/Week in the last quarter of 2024.

The Chairman Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail made the announcement at the congress held at the conference room of Kwara State Football Academy in Ilorin, Kwara State on Tuesday.

According to Ayodeji Ismail, the committee will be chaired by Veteran Sports Journalist, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka (JP) and four others.

The chairman revealed that the task before the committee is to identify private investors who will partner with the sports writing body in making the SWAN Games/Week a success.

He said, “After deliberations with fellow members of Kwara SWAN executive, I wish to announce that Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka has been appointed chairman for the smooth running of the SWAN Games. Other members are: Sodiq Adebara (Radio Nigeria), Bushirat Badmus (NAN), Kayode Alakija (SportsPro) and Abdulrazaq Aiyelabegan (Just Event). 

“The committee will be supervised by the Vice President North Central SWAN National, Mallam Olayinka Owolewa.

“We have identified some sponsors like Hellbank, Cyteck Construction Engineering Limited, Emirate Global Hotel, Kwara State House of Assembly and a few others who have made commitments. The ball is in the court of the committee to help look for more partners to make the event colourful and memorable”.

In his response, the Chairman of 2024 Kwara SWAN Games Committee, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka promised to deliver on the task given to him.

Chief Chukwuemeka popularly known as ACC revealed that the upcoming Games will serve as a bridge to bring sports administrators and sports journalists together.

He said, “I want to commend the leadership of Kwara SWAN led by Mallam Ayodeji Ismail for his proactiveness since he became Chairman of our great association. I believe the SWAN Games/Week will be a tool of unity to both sports journalists and administrators. 

“SWAN has always been the association that gives publicity to sporting events across the country and globe. I believe sports stakeholders will key into our SWAN Games/Week and support us like we always support them”.

Meanwhile, the Vice President North Central Zone SWAN National, Mallam Olayinka Owolewa promised to use his office in attracting sponsors to the upcoming SWAN Games/Week.

Mallam Owolewa said, “SWAN belongs to everyone and we have to succeed. I want to assure you that I will do everything within my capabilities to see that the Games is a success this year”.

SWAN signs pact with Unilorin on capacity building for members

....... Announces 31st May as date for capacity building/training for members

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State has entered into a partnership with the Mass Communication Department of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, ahead of its capacity building for members, scheduled to hold May 31st, 2023.

The Chairman, Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail disclosed this after extensive deliberation with its consultant, Shogo Shodunnke, and the Department of Mass Communication, during the official visit of the Association's executive to the HOD''s on Thursday.

Mallam Ayodeji explained that capacity building is one of the focal points of the current leadership adding that it will go a long way in reshaping sports journalism in the state.

Ayodeji said there are vast areas of specialties in sports that can be tapped as journalists and not only reportage.

He said, "The capacity building is long overdue because it is time for some of our members to focus on sports branding, marketing, and Public Relations. 

"We will not only focus on the reporting angle of sports but also on how we can create an ecosystem for sports to thrive in Kwara State. Kwara SWAN is happy senior lecturers of this great university will be our resource person at the capacity building".

Responding, the Head of Department (HOD), Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Dr Kehinde Kadiri applauded Kwara SWAN led by Mallam Ayodeji Ismail for the initiative of retraining its members.

Dr Kadiri said the Department of Mass Communication is ever ready to assist SWAN in the area of resources as well as ensure the training meets world standards.

She said, "SWAN is a recognized association all over the world and this visit to the department has sent the right sign. My doors are opened for the association and I want to assure you that I will personally grace the program".

Meanwhile, the consultant for the capacity building, Mr Shogo Shodunnke said the essence of retraining sports journalists cannot be overemphasised.

Shodunnke said the resource persons for the program will focus on sports branding, sports marketing as well as hidden potential in the sports industry.

The renowned sports consultant said three other resources persons within and outside the country will grace the capacity building.

Present at the meeting were senior lecturers of the department of Mass Communication as well as other executives of Kwara SWAN.