Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, has called on the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, to rise to the challenge of repositioning the state’s sporting image by constantly showcasing its vast potential, talents, and unique brand identity.

Thuraya made the call while addressing sports journalists during the reception for personalities honoured by National SWAN at its 60th anniversary celebration in Abuja in October.

He noted that the role of the media has become even more crucial at a time when government alone cannot shoulder the financial burdens of sports development.

According to him, Kwara is blessed with a rich heritage in sports, talented young athletes, passionate communities, established clubs, and expanding facilities, but these assets can only attract sponsors and investors when they are projected consistently and professionally.

He emphasized that SWAN members must go beyond event-based reporting to become brand ambassadors for the state’s sports ecosystem.

“Kwara has what it takes to become a major sports hub, not just in Nigeria but in West Africa. But potential means nothing unless it is projected. This is where SWAN must rise to the occasion,” Thuraya said.

“Your stories should highlight our strengths, our growth, the achievements of our athletes, and the vision of our sports administrators. That is how sponsors, partners, and development-focused organisations will notice us.”

The FA Chairman explained that branding Kwara sports goes hand-in-hand with accountability reporting, innovation, and human-interest storytelling that reflect the resilience and hunger of young talents across the state.

He added that government interventions, such as facility upgrades and athlete support must be complemented by private investment, and the bridge between both worlds is strategic media visibility.

“No government, whether state or federal, can fund sports alone,” he stressed. “We need private organisations, philanthropists, and football-friendly companies. They will come when the media makes Kwara attractive to them. SWAN holds that power.”

Thuraya reaffirmed the Kwara FA’s readiness to collaborate with SWAN on initiatives aimed at promoting the state’s football culture, documentaries, grassroots coverage, academy spotlights, club profiling, and community-based sports development stories.

He urged sports journalists to see themselves not just as reporters, but as stakeholders in the state’s football future.

“The more you expose our strengths, the more investment comes in. And when investment comes in, the athletes benefit, the clubs benefit, and Kwara benefits,” he concluded.

The interactive session ended with renewed commitment from SWAN members to intensify coverage of grassroots sports and drive narratives that present Kwara as a fertile ground for sports growth and commercial partnerships.