The leadership of the Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN) paid a courtesy call on the Nigeria Olympics Committee Secretary General, Olabanji Oladapo on Friday 15th July, days before the 2022 Commonwealth Games holding in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Led by its chairman, Debo Oshundun said the move was a thank you visit for the technical support for its members interested in traveling to Birmingham for the games.
“We are grateful for the assistance rendered to our members during their accreditation, approval, and visa issuance. We will remember this for a long time because many of our interested members (young and old) got visas to cover one of the most prestigious multi-sports events on earth”.
As the nation countdown to this year’s game starting 28th, July., the Lagos SWAN leadership promised that its members will put Nigeria first in its reportage and focus on the exploits of the athletes.
“Our members are once again determined to put Nigeria first. The athletes are our top priorities. We want to tell their stories the best we can and project their activities to the world and Nigerians back home.
In his response, the NOC scribe thanked the Lagos SWAN leadership for deeming it fit to visit him. He is optimistic that the cordial relationship between the NOC and Lagos SWAN leadership will continue to grow.
“No fewer than 731 Nigerian journalists applied for the accreditation, the highest we have ever had. A large number were declined and it took the intervention of the NOC and Commonwealth Games Federation to get the number eventually accredited to cover the games”, he said.
“I will appeal to journalists covering the games to project the image of the country positively. I also urge those traveling to adhere to the rules and regulations put in place by the organizers”.
“This has been a long time coming. On behalf of the President, Engr Habu Gumel, I would like to thank you for visiting us.”
The meeting also had Lagos SWAN Secretary, Bunmi Ogunyale and the association’s assistant secretary, Oni Afolabi in attendance.
