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.

SWAN, NMA, First Bank, two others to battle for freedom against Kwara Internal Revenue Service at Independent Cup

Defending champions, Kwara State Internal Revenue Services, KWIRS will have to use many tax collecting skills if they are to retain this year's Independent Cup. 

KWIRS and five other teams, including Kwara State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, First Bank Plc and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC will be participating in the football and Table Tennis events which is expected to start on Tuesday, 28th of September. 

The preliminaries stages will be decided on 30th of September while the final will be played on Independence Day which is Friday, 1st of October at the Indoor Hall of Kwara State Stadium. 

The competition aimed to celebrate Nigeria Independence and to emphasize the importance of freedom to people is

organized by Phreestyle Sport Limited and supported by Kwara State Sports Commission.

The Brain Behind Phreestyle Sport Limited, Shogo Shodunnke told sports writers in Ilorin on Sunday that Table Tennis was added to this year's edition to give more participation to others who may not make the football team and also stressed the need for team effort in achieving greatness. 

Shodunnke added that the newly established Kwara State Sports Commission under the chairmanship of Prince Bola Mogaji has provided needed support to make the event memorable just as he called on others who may want to partner with the concept. 

The press conference and the draws for the events will be conducted on Monday, 27th in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.

KWIRS defeated their NMA counterpart to lift the maiden edition of the Independent Cup played in 2019.