IBADAN – The South West chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to benefit from a transformative 3-day retreat, championed by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
The initiative aims to enhance the skills of sports journalists across the region in preparation for the upcoming National Sports Festival, which Ogun State will host from May 16 to 30, 2025.
The idea for the retreat was solidified during SWAN’s quarterly zonal meeting held in Abeokuta two weeks ago. According to the Chairman of Ogun SWAN, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, the retreat is envisioned as a strategic human capacity development program, courtesy of Senator Yayi, who represents Ogun West in the National Assembly.
Ogunsiji confirmed that a formal proposal has already been submitted to the Senator, seeking his approval and support to bring the event to fruition. He expressed optimism that the program will equip sports journalists with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective coverage of the festival and beyond.
“The 3-day retreat will allow our members to stay abreast of current trends in sports journalism and report with depth, accuracy, and professionalism,” Ogunsiji said.
He added that seasoned experts from the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Lagos, will facilitate training sessions on diverse areas such as sports presentation, advanced sports writing, the ethics and laws of sportscasting, and investigative journalism in the modern era.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Ogunsiji announced that SWAN’s National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, alongside other national officers, will be present in Ogun State to officially declare the program open.
Fifty sports journalists from across the South West states have been carefully selected to participate in the retreat. The event will also provide a platform for direct engagement between Senator Yayi and the media professionals. Notably, the retreat will close with an interactive session, during which the Senator is expected to unveil his comprehensive sports development agenda for Ogun youth, especially as speculations around his 2027 gubernatorial ambition continue to gain momentum.
