FCT SWAN Pledges Support for New NFF General Secretary

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN FCT Chapter has vowed to support the Nigeria Football Federation in its bid toreposition the game of football in the country.

 This was part of the decisions reached in a meeting between the executive members of SWAN FCT Chapter and newly confirmed General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi at the Glass House in Abuja.

Led by its Chairman, Comrade Kayode Adeniyi, newly elected SWAN FCT chapter exco comprising of Vice Chairman Ndubeze Chidoka,Secretary, Martins Odiete, Assistant Secretary Bunmi Haruna, Treasurer, Salifu Usman and Financial Secretary, Ikenna Okonkwo did not mince words while tabling issues concerning the not too cordial relationship between both parties in the past.

But after due deliberations the parties agreed that a good workingrelationship between the NFF and the media is important for the game of football to move forward in Nigeria.

Though members of the Executive took turns to bare their mind on critical issues of importance, Chairman, Kayode specifically demanded the media should not been seen as “enemies of the house”, rather sports writers should be viewed as partners in progress.

He maintained “We have been partners in progressas far as the development and growth of football is concerned. When we write stories that you are not comfortable with, it is not to bring you down, rather it is todraw your attention to some things that needed to be done. So, we are not supposed to be seen as peoplethat are against anyone in this house.”

 “The federation has been doing a lot butthere is need to do more in uplifting the standard of football in Nigeria. We have plans to partner with various sports organizations including NFF in our monthly Physical Health Exercise (Walking and Jogging), Kayode concluded.”

Responding, NFF General Secretary Dr. Sanusi paid glowing tribute to members of Fourth Estate of the Realm particularly SWAN FCT chapter and assured of his readiness to work harmoniously with the media.

According to him “We in the federation arecommitted in our resolve to deliver and work with everyone who has one or twothings to contribute in developing Nigeria’s football. All we are pleading with you is to always be objective while criticizing us.

“There are many positive things happening in Nigeria football, Why will someone take special interest in writing only when he feels something is not going well? Let your members always verify their facts before publishing. On our part, we will continue to partner with the media.”