No fewer than 31 Journalists and media practitioners in Kwara State were on Tuesday inaugurated as members of the Kwara State sports associations.
The inauguration, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the State Stadium was carried out by the executive chairman, of the State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji.
The list also included top stakeholders with distinguished careers in different fields but with a common identifiable passion for sports, and they were all charged with the mandate of developing sports in the state.
Speaking briefly at the inauguration ceremony of the sports associations, Coach Magaji told the audience that the move to bring in journalists underscores the state government’s understanding of the nexus between sports and the media.
According to him, the media determines which sports and events receive the most attention, shapes public perception of sports and athletes, promotes sports events and sponsorships, and sets the tone of sports coverage.
“We also had in mind the commitment of Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak to sports development,” KSC boss said.
Speaking further, the chairman said that the Commission will partner with all associations for the progress of Sports in the State.
“Members will be duly consulted where necessary in making critical decision about all the Association.
“It is this administration’s conviction that the salvation of our lost glory in the Sports depends on transformation that each association members inject into your respective Associations.
“Were looking forward for positive transformations in all sports associations in Kwara State,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Alh Ibrahim Bako, Director of Sports at the KSC, said government cannot continue to support sports alone.
“That is why government thought it wise to bring in private sector into sports administration and development in the state,” Bako said.
Reacting to the appointment of journalists into various sports associations, Ayodeji Ismail, chairman of, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, said that Coach Magaji has demonstrated an understanding of the synergy between sports and the media.
“As a sports reporting body, we are ready to give support to sports development in Kwara. What Coach Magaji has done is quite unprecedented and we are deeply appreciative,” Ismail said.
