An appeal has gone out to members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), presently at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta for support for one of her own seeking an elective position into the Board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,AFN.
This appeal was made by Dr Kola Oredipe, the Director, New Media to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, at the Media Centre of the National Sports Festival, situated at the June 12 Cultural Centre , Kuto, Abeokuta.
Dr Oredipe, who is also the founder of the Samkay Athletic Club and former Quarter Miler, solicited for the support of Sports Writers through their media platforms, that he is seeking to contest as a member of the AFN board to represent the south-South zone, and as a journalist/sport writer too, he feels comfortable coming to his own constituency to begin his advocacy.
The Geologist, who is known in as ‘Peremobowei’, assured SWAN that he will not disappoint.
“I am committed to using my wealth of experience as a former athlete to promote innovation and inclusiveness in developing grassroots athletics. So our vision is to groom athletes from grassroots to stardom. That is the reason I want ensure when I get to the board, there will always be regular competitions in the South South region to keep discovering talents, nurture and showcase them to the world”.
Dr Oredipe believes his wealth of experience and expertise would be an added advantage to the AFN and even SWAN.
In his response, SWAN President, Mr Benjamin Isaiah, welcomed Dr Oredipe as he assured him of members support even as he urged Sports Writers to delve into federation politics and seek for leadership positions.
Mr Isaiah, thereafter, commended Dr Oredipe for the bold initiative, that it would encourage journalists to aspire to leadership roles in federations.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade, SSIMEDIA, Gateway Games.
