The Nasarawa State chapter of the Sports Writers Association (SWAN) says it is partnering with the State Government to promote sports development.
Mr Smah George, SWAN Chairman in the state stated this while he led other officials and members on a courtesy call to the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development on Friday in Lafia.
George explained that the visit was to introduce the new officials of the association to strengthen the existing relationship with the ministry.
The SWAN Chairman along with other officials were inaugurated on Tuesday, July 9 to pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.
He explained that the ministry is the backbone of sports activities, development, and administration in the state hence the partnership.
Gorge explained that both SWAN and the ministry are in the business of promoting sports and need each other to succeed.
“This visit I believe will strengthen the relationship that is already existing between us and ensure effective collaboration,” he added.
The number one sports writer in the state further congratulated the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Ja’afaru Ango for the promotion of two clubs in the state to a higher league in the country.
“I congratulate you for the return of Nasararawa United Football Club to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the promotion of Basira Football Club to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
“I also want to congratulate Gov. Abdullahi Sule for investment and the kind of attention is given to sports development and urged him to sustain the tempo” the SWAN Chairman added.
He also appealed to the state government to appoint a new board and management for Nasarawa United FC to replace the dissolved one ahead of the new season.
He also appealed to the commissioner to carry SWAN members along in all their activities for proper reportage of sports at the grassroots level.
Responding, Ja’afaru Ango, Commissioner of the ministry appreciated the association for the visit and congratulated the new officials and wished them a successful tenure.
The commissioner said the SWAN was indeed an important stakeholder in the development of sports and promised to work closely with them to promote sporting activities in the state.
On the new management of Nasarawa United FC, the commissioner said that the process had started and very soon the management would be in place.
In a goodwill message, Mr Isaac Danladi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said that given the caliber of the new officials, the ministry would have a robust working relationship with the association. (NAN).