Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji has been re-elected as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State Chapter, pledging to consolidate on the achievements of his first term while calling on the Ogun State Government to adopt a comprehensive sports development agenda.
Speaking after his re-election at the 12th Ogun SWAN Triennial Delegates’ Congress held on Saturday, Ogunsiji described his return for a second term without opposition as a vote of confidence in his administration and a renewed mandate to reposition the association.
He thanked members for the confidence reposed in him, promising an inclusive, transparent and people-centred leadership that would strengthen the association’s programmes and promote grassroots sports development across the state.
“This mandate belongs to every member of our association. It is a renewed call to consolidate on our achievements, address our shortcomings and take Ogun SWAN to greater heights,” he said.
Ogunsiji commended the electoral committee for conducting what he described as a peaceful, transparent and credible congress, while paying tribute to past chairmen for laying the foundation for the growth of the association.
He also passed a vote of confidence on the national leadership of SWAN under President Isaiah Benjamin, saying the current National Executive Committee had restored the association’s relevance and dignity nationwide.
While acknowledging the Ogun State Government’s investment in sporting infrastructure, particularly at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, the SWAN chairman expressed concern over poor maintenance and underutilisation of some facilities.
He lamented the deplorable condition of the stadium’s swimming pool, describing it as overgrown with weeds and unsuitable for sports development.
Ogunsiji further criticised what he called the lack of sustained grassroots sports programmes following the successful hosting of the 2025 National Sports Festival, saying the momentum generated by the event had not been translated into long-term athlete development.
He also decried the absence of a functional practice pitch at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena and urged the incoming state administration to develop a comprehensive sports masterplan capable of strengthening infrastructure, talent discovery and athlete development.
The SWAN chairman condemned the continued use of parts of the stadium complex as a car park and driving practice ground, insisting that the facility should remain dedicated to sporting activities.
He equally called for the restoration of the stadium’s night economy, arguing that increased commercial and recreational activities would improve security, boost internally generated revenue and make the complex more vibrant.
As part of efforts to deepen public engagement, Ogunsiji announced plans to organise a “SWAN Forum” where governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections would present their sports policies as well as their plans for economic development and security.
He sought stronger collaboration between Ogun SWAN and the state government, sports agencies, clubs, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to advance sports development.
Ogunsiji particularly praised Remo Stars Football Club Chairman, Otunba Kunle Soname, for his contributions to football development, describing his investments in infrastructure and youth development as a model for Nigeria and Africa.
The chairman also challenged the Ogun State Football Association to intensify talent discovery, noting that despite producing legendary footballers such as Muda Lawal, Segun Odegbami, Tajudeen Disu, Ike Shorunmu and several others, Ogun State had struggled to produce players for the national teams over the past two decades.
He urged the football association, academies and clubs to establish a sustainable talent development framework capable of producing a new generation of football stars.
Ogunsiji appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to donate an 18-seater bus to Ogun SWAN, noting that no administration had provided an official vehicle for the association in its more than 50-year history despite the critical role sports journalists play in promoting sporting activities across the state.
He also expressed concern over poor sponsorship of signature programmes such as the SWAN Security Cup, SWAN Media Cup and SWAN Week over the past seven years, calling on government agencies, corporate organisations and sports stakeholders to partner with the association in reviving the initiatives.
Outlining his agenda for the second term, Ogunsiji promised to improve the SWAN Security Cup, revive the SWAN Media Cup and SWAN Week, expand capacity-building programmes for members and introduce more grassroots sports initiatives aimed at discovering young talents across Ogun State.
He assured members that his administration would continue to uphold professionalism, ethical journalism and inclusiveness while striving to make Ogun SWAN a model chapter in Nigeria.
While presenting the certificates of return to the newly elected executive members, the National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, represented by the South-West Vice President, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, commended the outgoing leadership and members of the Ogun State chapter for conducting a peaceful, transparent and rancour-free election.
Ogunsakin also lauded the Ogun State Government for providing the chapter with a befitting secretariat, describing the facility as the best among SWAN chapters in the South-West region.
He appealed to the state government to sustain its support for the association while urging other critical stakeholders in the sports sector to partner with the chapter in advancing sports development.
The SWAN national leadership further tasked the newly inaugurated executive to prioritise capacity building, particularly in digital journalism and emerging media technologies, to equip members with the skills needed to contribute more effectively to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.
Other elected officers are; Taiwo Fabajo from OGTV as Vice Chairman, Olusegun Folarin from Radio Nigeria as Secretary, Seun Odunlami from News Jaunts as Assistant Secretary, Michael Adesanya from Core TV as Treasurer, Bayo Adegboyega from OGBC as Welfare Officer and Hassan Yusuf Olatunji as Financial Secretary.
