In a move not seen for a while, no less than 31 jounalists and media practitioners in Kwara State were yesterday, Tuesday August 8, 2023, at the Kwara State Indoor Sports Hall were inaugurated as part of the 31 sports associations in the state by the Executive Chairman, Kwara Sports Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji.
The list also included top stakeholders with distingusished careers in different fields but with common identifiable passion for sports, all charged with the mandate of developing sports in the state.
Speaking briefly at the inauguration ceremony of the sports associations, Coach Magaji told the audience that the move to bring in journalists underscores the state government’s understanding of the nexus between sports and the media.
According to him, the media determines which sports and events receive the most attention, shapes public perception of sports and athletes, promotes sports events and sponsorships, and sets the tone of sports coverage.
“We also had in mind the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak to sports development,” KSC boss said.
Speaking further, the Executive Chairman said that the Commission will partner with all associations for the progress of sports in the state.
“Members will be duly consulted where necessary in making critical decision about all the Association.
“It is this administration’s conviction that the salvation of our lost glory in the Sports depends on transformation that each association members inject into your respective Associations.
“We are looking forward for positive transformations in all sports associations in Kwara State,” he said.
Speaking also at the event, Alhaji Ibrahim Bako, Director of Sports at the KSC, said government cannot continue to support sports alone.
“That is why government thought it wise to bring in private sector into sports administration and development in the state,” Bako said.
Speaking on appointment of journalists into various sports association, Ayodeji Ismail, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), said that Coach Magaji has demonstrated understanding of synergy between sports and the media.
“As a sport reporting body, we are ready to give support to sports development in Kwara. What Coach Magaji has done is quite unprecedented and we are deeply appreciative,” Ismail said.
