…Congratulates NFF Leadership On 2nd Anniversary.
By: Kagana Amshi, Damaturu
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has extended its felicitations to Nigerians as the country celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
In a statement issued by the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin reflected on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence in 1960, acknowledging the nation’s various challenges and triumphs.
Mr. Benjamin emphasized that with a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, has the potential to leverage its vast resources, particularly through sports, to drive economic growth.
He stated, “First of all, I want to congratulate Nigerians, particularly the sporting media, on this auspicious day in the nation’s history.
It’s supposed to be a proud moment considering the years that have come by. At 64, a man is fully matured after witnessing several developmental stages in life.
“For any country desirous of fundamental and genuine development in time, human capital development interest should be the major focus, and sports, being a big entrepreneurial/business drive globally, has what it takes to turn around the fortunes of Nigerians.
“Again, the population of people in Nigeria has continued to grow geometrically with little plan to engage mostly young people. Nigeria’s abundant human talents and mineral resources can be channeled to tackle unemployment and give hope to many through sports as it obtains in other parts of the world.
“All that is now needed is the political will amidst the implementation of practical policy geared towards harnessing teeming human assets in the over 40 different sporting areas.
The truth remains that only sports have the vast opportunities to absorb and keep millions of youth busy, then give their lives meaningful living.”
Expressing optimism about the future, the SWAN President urged the government at all levels to address societal issues, including insecurity, through sports.
“Sports development is not just a Federal Government affair; political, business leaders, and philanthropists have crucial roles to play. Nigeria recently participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and returned home empty-handed. Such a disastrous outing shows that as a country, we have a long way to go.
“It’s time to make our population count among the comity of nations, and grassroots sports development is key in this regard,” he said.
Mr. Benjamin also congratulated the current leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, on reaching two years in office.
He praised the NFF’s visionary leadership, which has seen a turnaround in the administration of various leagues and called for a sustainable approach to developing all aspects of Nigerian football.
Despite the Super Eagles’ unexpected setbacks in their 2026 World Cup qualifying series, he urged efforts to ensure they win the remaining qualifier matches to enhance their chances of qualification.
