By Enyichukwu Enemanna and Ebi Kesiena
Heritage Times HT online publishers of The AfriHeritage Magazine have pledged its readiness to partner the umbrella body of sports journalists in Nigeria, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to use sports as a tool to unify especially in the grassroot.
The organisation also said it’s willing to partner with SWAN in ensuring that the memory of late Nigerian sports icons are preserved through proper documentation of their efforts in putting Nigeria on the global map.
Chairman Heritage Times, Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia who made the pledge on Monday when the leadership of SWAN paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja noted that sports industry as a leading employer of labour across the globe also serves as a tool to foster unity in times of crisis.
He said his organisation is ready to offer the needed support in strengthening the unity of the country through sporting tournaments in the grassroot, especially in identified regions as a way of advocating peace.
“We should be thinking about how we can partner in grassroot football, basketball competitions, sensitisation programmes and other areas of sports.
“This should be open to the vulnerable, people who are exceptionally talented but lack the means. This should be a means to support them to achieve their dreams and aspirations.
“Also, in Niger Delta, North East, South East and other parts of the country, we can use sporting activities to foster unity among the people in these regions prone to crisis. It is tool that brings everyone together in the table of peace so we must not neglect that”, he advised.
Expressing dissatisfaction on the lack of efforts in preserving and documentation of the memory of late and living sports legends, Mr. Siasia stated that energy should be deployed in preserving the memories of legends of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
“You can do this so that our people can read and study. It is a way preserving their history for the selfless services they offered to our country, the likes of Samson Siasia, Finidi George, Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Rashidi Yekini and those before them.
“We are ready to support all efforts to keep their memory alive and this is the best we can do to appreciate them”, he added.
While urging the sports journalists to use their pen to drive awareness and sell the Nigerian brand, especially the national premiership so that it can form a talking point in public discourse, Mr. Siasia tasked the sports journalist to work tirelessly to leave legacy for which they will be remembered for at the end of their tenure in office.
Earlier, the President of SWAN, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin while applauding Mr. Siasia who is also the Chairman Nigerian Young Professionals Forum, NYPF for so many initiatives he has embarked upon to tap the potentials of young Nigerians noted that such efforts reduces the pressure on the government to engage the young population.
Mr. Benjamin also expressed gratitude to Mr. Siasia for engaging members of SWAN in his organisation
On his part, the Secretary General of SWAN, Mr. Ikenna Okonkwo also thanked Mr. Siasia for his burning passion in driving youth development even beyond the shores of Nigeria.
He noted that the sporting sector which elicits interest of a greater parentage of young Nigerian youths will be a veritable tool to give them a meaningful livelihood, expressing the readiness of SWAN to collaborate with The Heritage Times in fishing raw talents in the grassroot.
