By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
2024 Edition of the Sports Week organized by the Bauchi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has come to end with award presentations to winners and recognition of others.
The state Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, Alh. Muhammad Salis Gamawa has emphasized the importance of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to the development of sports across the country, commended SWAN members for supporting the Ministry in it's efforts to revitalize sports in the state.
Gamawa made the assertion during the closing ceremony of the Bauchi 2024 SWAN WEEK awards presentation to conclude the week-long events that featured Football, Table Tennis and Athletics, held at the Conference Hall of the NUJ Press Center, Bauchi
He assured that the Ministry would always collaborate with SWAN as partners in progress to ensure that Bauchi regained its rightful position as Mecca of sports in the country
Gamawa noted that the achievements of athletes and administrators in various competitions can not be widely spread and accepted without the support and reportage of the Sports Writers.
“The Sports Writers in Bauchi State have done such a noble job of reporting the achievements of our athletes, umpires and administrators not only in Nigeria but to Africa and the rest of the world and I really want to applaud you.
The Commissioner reiterated that the State Government is ever committed to changing the fortune of sports in Bauchi, with its drive to improve sports facilities in the state.
“As Commissioners of sports, our duty is to ensure that we grow sports beyond what it was before we met it and our current goals are to ensure that we have the necessary facilities not only in the state capital, but other parts of the Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) was presented with the giant trophy as winners of the football event while NTA and FRCN Globe FM emerged Second and Third respectively
Football competition was organised for various chapels of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi Council which include the Correspondents' Chapel, Bauchi Radio Corporation, NTA, Radio Nigeria’s Globe FM, Bauchi Television Authority, Albarka Radio, Information Chapel and others.
Winners in Table Tennis and Athletics (Male and Female) also received their various medals.
In his remarks, Bauchi State NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa'idu commended SWAN for organising the Sports Week which enabled members to interact and make friends.
He urged his members to embrace the friendship and acquaintance. He discouraged the spirit of must-win approach of some of the teams.
The Zonal Vice President of SWAN, Ahmad Amshi applauded Bauchi State chapter for organizing the Sports Week saying it would go a long way in fostering unity and inclusivity among the members.
Represented by the National Ex-Officio, Abass Usman Shehu, the Zonal VP assured his office would always support any State that has programmes and activities that will project the good image of the Association.
The Bauchi SWAN Chairman, Bala Bawaji Konkyel said that the exercise was to bring sports journalists within and outside the State to interact, rub minds and unite for Sports development
According to him, "The interesting thing about this event, not only SWAN members are allowed to participate in the sporting activities line – up within the week, but all other staff in the media industry can show their talents and grab a medal."
Bala Bawaji added that,"In this year's event, about 100 athletes from 7 media organizations including Bauchi State Ministry of Information competed in 3 Sporting events namely, Football, Table Tennis and Athletics 100m (Male and Female)."
He added that, "Today, winners have emerged in all the three events and we are going to reward them accordingly in this venue. I urge media heads to please do the same to their staff who excelled in one or two events this year. This will certainly encourage others to put more effort in the subsequent events.
"Let me use this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to the Bauchi State Government, through the Office of the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Comrade Muktar Gidado Jarma. Alkaleri for supporting the Association to host its annual Week.
Our appreciation also goes to the entire media chiefs in the State, Bauchi State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Bauchi State Sports Council, Wikki Tourists Football Club and other partners for including members of the Association in their various programmes,".
Lastly, I will like to congratulate winners of different Sporting Events this year and urged other participants to keep trying hard ahead of the upcoming events, he added
Meanwhile, the Assistant Northern Bureau Chief of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, Bauchi, Ishola Michael has emerged the Best Sports Writer for the year 2024.
The award was presented to him on Saturday during the closing ceremony and award presentation of the 2024 Bauchi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Sports Week held at the Muhammad Abdullahi Conference Hall of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to the SWAN, the award was presented to Ishola Michael considering his contributions to Sports Journalism in the year 2024 coupled with his active participation in all activities of the Association.
He was also described as an “Example and encouragement to upcoming Sports Writers in the State. He has demonstrated sense of commitment to uplifting Sports Writing beyond expectations.”
While presenting the award, the Special Adviser (SA) Media and Publicity to the Bauchi State Governor, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado described the award as well deserved considering his contributions to journalism generally in Bauchi state.
He urged the recipient to strive to do more in his chosen profession by remaining focused and dedicated to the journalism so that upcoming Jou will learn from people like him.
A Veteran Journalist in the State, Alh. Inuwa Muhammad Bello also described the award as well deserved considering the contributions of the awardee to the art of Sports Writing and Reporting in Bauchi.
He urged him not to relent and not too allow the recognition get too much into his head but, “He should be spurred to do more for the profession in order to get more recognition and awards.”
All others who spoke described the award as well deserved and appropriate considering the immense c and contributions of the awardee to Sports writing in particular and journalism in general in Bauchi state. End
