The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State chapter, has called on sports journalists to strengthen their professional competence, embrace emerging digital tools and uphold accuracy and credibility in their reportage.
The association made the call at a seminar held at the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Osogbo, where four prominent personalities were also inaugurated as patrons.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ, Osun State Council, Dr Adeyemi Aboderin, urged sports journalists without relevant professional qualifications to take advantage of training opportunities provided by the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ).
Aboderin, who spoke on “Qualifications, Competence, Credibility: The New Path for Sports Journalists,” said professional qualifications were essential to career advancement and credibility, warning that lack of required credentials could have implications for members seeking elective positions in professional associations.
According to him, “Qualifications and competence are important not only for career progression but also for maintaining credibility within the journalism profession.”
He also encouraged sports journalists running blogs and other online media platforms to join the newly inaugurated Osun Online Media Chapel of the NUJ, describing professional association as important to the development of journalism.
Another speaker, Mr Tunde Shamsudeen, who addressed participants on “The Modern Sports Journalist: Tools, Truth and Trust in New Media,” urged practitioners to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital platforms.
Shamsudeen, however, cautioned that the pressure to break news quickly should not compromise accuracy, stressing that journalists must verify information thoroughly before publication.
He said, “The speed of digital platforms must not come at the expense of truth and accuracy. Every information must be properly investigated and verified before it is published.”
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents Chapel in Osun, Shina Abubakar, charged sports journalists to remain committed to investigative journalism and professional ethics.
Abubakar particularly urged journalists handling investigative reports to ensure balance by contacting all parties involved in an issue and giving them an opportunity to respond before publication.
The General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Ademola Daini, also urged SWAN to be more proactive in addressing issues affecting sports development in the state.
Daini challenged sports journalists to ask critical questions and use their platforms to promote accountability and development in the sports sector.
Representing the Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Mayor Sola Fanawopo, the association’s Secretary, Amoo Abayomi, assured SWAN of the FA’s continued partnership and support.
The event attracted former SWAN chairmen, Shittu Alamu and Muyideen Adeleke, as well as sports administrators and stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman of Osun United, Prince Ayo Odidi; Community Relations Manager of Osun United, Alhaji Abimbola Risky; football enthusiast, Femi Faramade; and Board Member of the Osun FA, Comrade Fatai Salami.
The association also honoured Olayiwola Olafiranye, Adamu Mohammed, Timothy Folaranmi and Michael Omage as its new patrons.
Speaking on behalf of the new patrons, they expressed appreciation to Osun SWAN for the recognition and pledged to support the association in advancing sports journalism and development in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of Osun SWAN, Timothy Agbor, represented by his Vice Chairman, Seun Omolola, commended the founding fathers of the association for their contributions to its growth.
Agbor said SWAN would continue to strengthen its relationship with relevant stakeholders and collaborate with individuals and organisations committed to the development of sports in Osun State.
He added that stronger partnerships would not only enhance sports journalism but also contribute to the overall growth of the sports sector in the state.
Source: Sports Archives – New Telegraph
