THE SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (SWAN), OYO STATE CHAPTER, BOYCOTTS SHOOTING STARS MATCHES OVER ACCREDITATION ISSUES AND DISRESPECT TO NUJ/SWAN MEMBERS



COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE CONGRESS OF THE SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (SWAN), OYO STATE CHAPTER, HELD ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 AT THE NUJ PRESS CENTRE, IYAGANKU, IBADAN.


The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter, convened a Congress on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, with 28 representatives in attendance from various media organizations in the state. After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted:


1. Call for Unity and Oneness

The Congress unanimously called for oneness and solidarity amongst all members of Oyo SWAN. Members resolved to work together to avoid any cracks within the association, emphasizing that a united front is essential for effectively addressing common challenges and advancing the interests of sports journalism in the state.


2. Appreciation to the Oyo State Government

The Congress expressed its appreciation to the Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for the successful bid to host the Falconet vs. Rwanda FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match in Ibadan. This is seen as a positive step for sports development in the state.


3. Boycott of 3SC Home Matches Over Accreditation and Disrespect

The Congress expressed profound displeasure over the persistent accreditation bottlenecks and the disrespectful treatment meted out to its members during the home games of Shooting Stars Sports Club(3SC). Members strongly condemned the disrespectful remark to all NUJ and SWAN members by Mr. Idris Animashun, an individual working closely with the club's management, claiming he has Authority over all  Journalists in Oyo state. Consequently, the Congress resolved to commence an immediate boycott of all 3SC home matches  and a complete media blackout until these issues are satisfactorily addressed and a formal apology is tendered.


4. Oyo SWAN has also seen through the 3SC Management's attempts to divide and conquer SWAN and its members. The body want to make it clear that Oyo SWAN is a unified and unbreakable entity, where any harm or disrespect to one member is considered harm to all."


5. Condemnation of Exclusion from Ministry’s Press Briefing

The Congress expressed its displeasure over the decision of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports to disregard Oyo SWAN during the press briefing held ahead of the Falconet vs.Rwanda FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match. The Congress noted with disappointment that the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Wasilat Adegoke invited non-sports journalists to the event, sidelining accredited SWAN members. The Congress demands an immediate apology from the office of the Commissioner for this act of exclusion.


6. While we hold the Oyo State Government in high esteem, we will not hesitate to bring our grievances to Governor Seyi Makinde's attention regarding the treatment we've received from the Commissioner for Sports. This matter can only be resolved through an unreserved apology from the Commissioner to SWAN."



7. Membership Audit and Platform Sanitization

In a bid to ensure sanity and order,the Congress resolved to conduct an immediate audit of its membership. All individuals who are not bona fide members of Oyo SWAN will be removed from the association’s official WhatsApp platform. This exercise is aimed at cleaning the platform and streamlining communication for genuine members.


8. Welcome to the Yoruba Sports Broadcasters Association (YOSBA)

The Congress warmly welcomed the Yoruba Sports Broadcasters Association(YOSBA) in its mission to uphold professionalism and promote the Yoruba language and culture under the umbrella of SWAN. 

Oyo SWAN pledges to work in unity with YOSBA for the growth of sports journalism in the state. No rift between between SWAN and YOSBA. 




9. Constitution of the 2025 SWAN Week Committee

The Congress constituted a committee to plan for the 2025 Oyo SWAN Week.The following members were appointed to the committee:


1. Mr. Samson Akindele (Chairman) 

2. Tega Christiana

3. Mr. Gbenga Olugbodi

4. Oladosu Obadare

5. Sola Ayegbajeje

6. Mr. Robinson

7. Mrs. Yinka Bode Are

8. Olawale Hazmat

9. Mr. Abass Isola

10. Boluwaji Ogunmola (Secretary) 

11. Mr. Kola Omotoso


Signed:


Comrade Wale Olaniyan (AIKI)

Communiqué Drafting Committee Chairman


1. Dapo Okunubi Solution FM 


2. Victor Opone BCOS 

Members

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