By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Chairman Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC), Comrade Danjuma Abdul Masu, has announced plans by the state government to create Grassroot Sports Department, aimed at setting the road map towards discovering young talents that will represent the state at zonal, national and international sporting events.
Masu made this known at the opening of a one-day training for Sports Journalists, organized by the State SWAN in collaboration with the Office of the North-Central zonal representative Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), which took place at the IBB Pen House, Tunga, Minna.
Masu who spoke through the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Alhaji Baba Sheshi, said the creation of Grassroot Sports Department is targeted at expanding the Commission across the communities by bringing sports nearer to them.
In his remarks l, the former Special Adviser to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago on Political Matters and and Zonal Representative BFN, Alhaji Mohammed Nma Kolo challenged sports writers to lead the way in promoting sports and sporting activities in Niger state through reports and presentations.
Nma Kolo who was represented by the Manager (news) NEXTER Radio, Nma Maku, assured SWAN in Niger state chapter of continued support at all times.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the State SWAN chairman, Comrade Alhassan Kutigi, said the training is part of resolutions of the current exco to reposition sports with a view to making it more vibrant and result oriented.
Also speaking, state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comrade Abu Nmodu, represented the Vice Chairman, Comrade Uriah Gana, commended SWAN for organizing the training programme and implored participants to make good use of what they have learnt for the overall development of sports.
The former North-Central SWAN Zonal Secretary and Ex Officio, Comrade Abu Hassan, in his contributions reminded sports administrators in Niger state that sports is a Media event hence the need to accord maximum recognition and support to SWAN at all times.
Delivering paper on the theme: "From Headlines to nation building: Using Sports Journalism as a tool for development, unity and social change, former state SWAN Chairman, Mr. Dan Amasingha said the role of sports journalists has expanded in the twenty first century, where sports is now being used as an instrument of social cohession and social change as well.
Amasigha who enumerated the obstacles that has hindered the growth and development of sports encouraged SWAN members not to be discouraged by unfavorable experiences, but remain focused in their jobs.
Apart from entertainment and as a vocation, sports according to him can be used as tool for shaping public opinion, promote national value, stimulate economic growth and as well, build global image by exposing corruption amongst others.
Highlights of the occasion included presentation of Certificates to participants. NNL.
