The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), Enugu Chapter has expressed displeasure over the neglience and poor state of sports in the last few years, stating that the present administration have not giving the sector the required priority.
In a communique issued at the end of the association’s congress at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium held over the weekend, the body hinted that due to the failure of the state government in the compeletion of the renovation works at the Nnamdi Axikiwe Stadium since 2021, sporting and business activities around the complex have drasticslly declined..
The body frowns at the constant use of the Awka Township Stadium in Anambra State for the execution of Rangers International Football Club home games in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Footbal League, noting that the ugly trend has contributed immensely in the postion of the club in the current season.
The Association urges the incoming administration to endeavour to avoid the mistakes of its predecessor by giving the sector the required attention, emphaising that sports remains a veritable tool and platform for unification, checking youth restiveness as well as an avenue to earn a living.
On the issue of sports development and promotion in the state,, the incoming adminstration must avoid appointing someone who is a complete novice or one with limited knowledge in sports into the Ministry for youth and sports, stressing that the appointment should not be for political compensation.
The group regretted that the near moribund situation of Sports Association in the state has been majorly responsible for the abysmal performances of the state athletes during National Sports Festivals and other majpr competitions over the years.
