Oyo SWAN Slams Youth & Sports Ministry, Commissioner for Neglect, Declares Boycott of 3SC Home Games

26 September

Reported by Ibadan Media

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter, has strongly condemned its exclusion from the Ministry of Sports press briefing ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria’s Falconets and Rwanda’s She Amavubi, scheduled for Saturday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

In a communiqué issued after its Congress and signed by the Drafting Committee Chairman, Comrade Wale Olaniyan, the association expressed displeasure at the decision of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports to disregard accredited sports journalists, while inviting non-sports reporters to the briefing.

The Congress described the action of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, as disappointing, stressing that Oyo SWAN members were deliberately sidelined.

The association has demanded an immediate apology from the office of the Commissioner, warning that failure to do so may compel SWAN to escalate the matter to Governor Seyi Makinde.

Led by its chairman, Otunba Ayomikun Ajibola, Oyo SWAN reaffirmed its respect for the Oyo State Government but emphasised that it would not tolerate any form of disregard for its members.

Meanwhile, the Congress also resolved to commence a boycott of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) home matches over recurring accreditation bottlenecks and alleged disrespect to its members. Members cited offensive remarks credited to Mr. Idris Animashun, who claimed authority over journalists covering 3SC matches. SWAN demanded a formal apology before lifting the boycott or media blackout.

The body, however, formally welcomed the Yoruba Sports Broadcasters Association (YOSBA) into its fold, pledging cooperation to promote professionalism and the Yoruba language in sports coverage. It stressed that there is no rift between SWAN and YOSBA.

To further protect its integrity, Oyo SWAN Congress also resolved to conduct a membership audit and sanitise its official WhatsApp platform to ensure only bona fide members remain.

The Congress concluded by urging unity and solidarity among members, noting that a united front is essential to defending the interests of sports journalism in the state.