Tayo Ogunseye
The Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN) has paid a courtesy call on the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) in appreciation for it’s support to journalists ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games taking place in Birmingham, United Kingdom from Jul 28 to August 8.
Chairman, Debo Oshundun while addressing the NOC Secretary General Banji Oladapo who received them 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”.
The Lagos SWAN leadership promised that it’s 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 organisers”.
“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 held at the NOC Secretariat had Lagos SWAN Secretary, Bunmi Ogunyale and assistant secretary, Oni Afolabi in attendance.
