The National leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has paid a courtesy visit to business mogul and sports philanthropist Mr. Kunle Soname, Chairman of Remo Stars FC, Bet9ja, ValueJet, and Portuguese club CD Feirense, to commend him for his leadership, sports development efforts, and the recent historic achievement of Remo Stars Football Club clinching their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.
The courtesy visit to Mr. Soname’s office at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, on the sidelines of the Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival on Saturday.
This reflects SWAN’s resolve to collaborate with key stakeholders in the private, public and corporate sectors to drive professionalism, visibility, and sustainable development in the Nigerian sports ecosystem.
In his remarks, SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, applauded Mr. Soname not only for his club’s title-winning success, but also for his broader impact on Nigerian sports, youth empowerment, and investment in sports media infrastructure.
“Mr. Soname’s influence on Nigerian sports is profound. His vision and investments go beyond club football to grassroots development, sports business, and media innovation. Through brand initiatives like Valuejet, Bet9ja, Team 33 Productions, he continues to shape the way Nigerian sports are presented, broadcast, and consumed,” said Mr. Benjamin.
Mr. Benjamin also acknowledged Mr. Soname’s unwavering support for sports journalists across the country, noting his significant role in helping to raise professional standards and build capacity within the industry.
“You have also expanded your footprint to the global stage through CD Feirense in Portugal, this stands as an enduring testament to what vision, courage, and consistency can achieve.
“In you, we see not just an inspiring story, but a lasting legacy, one we are proud to be associated with. Beyond your support for countless young talents and your establishing one of Nigeria’s leading production firms, Team 33 Production, we are equally excited by your recent launch of a new radio station,” he said
Benjamin said SWAN was proud to identify with Soname’s impacts and glad to bestow him with one of the highest honours of the association in recognition of his good works.
He said SWAN, as the voice of Nigerian sports would continue to advocate for growth of the sector, and partner with those who believed in its limitless potential.
“It is in this spirit that we formally extend to you our invitation to serve as Grand Patron of SWAN. It signífies a bridge between professional sports journalism and transformative private sector leadership anchored in mutual respect, national pride, and a commitment to excellence.
“Among our national priorities are the launch of a welfare driven cooperative for journalists, the establishment of our permanent National Secretariat in Abuja, and the celebration of SWAN’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary.
“In particular, we are enthusiastic about the possibility of adopting Valuelet as SWAN’s official airline at a subsidised, negotiated rate alleviating the burden on our hardworking, card carrying members,” he said.
In response, Mr. Soname expressed gratitude to SWAN for the recognition and reiterated his belief in the power of sports journalism to drive positive change in the sporting landscape.
He further acknowledged the importance of strengthening partnerships with the sporting media umbrella, particularly as Nigeria continues to build its reputation in global sports.
“I’m humbled by this visit and the kind words from SWAN. Remo Stars’ journey is a result of commitment and collective effort, and I truly value the role the media has played in amplifying that story,” Mr. Soname said.
“I am committed to working with SWAN, within my capacity, to support efforts aimed at rebuilding and repositioning the image of the sports media in Nigeria. I also deeply appreciate the media for their tireless efforts in promoting not just Remo Stars, but Nigerian sports as a whole.”
