ABEOKUTA– Former Super Eagles player, Segun Odegbami has describe the Sports Writer Association of Nigeria (SWAN) as the foundation for sports development in the country.
The ex-international who is the Chairman of a Sports Radio station, 103.7FM in Abeokuta made this known when the executive members of the Association in Ogun state paid him a courtesy visit at the station.
Odegbami however promised to collaborate with the Ogun State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) towards taking the profession to an enviable heights.
The Owner of the first Sports Radio Station in Ogun State expressed delight in receiving the sports Journalists in the state, saying that the success of the radio station required the support of all stakeholders, especially SWAN.
He therefore call on state governments to engage professionals in handling the sports sector in their respective states.
“I’m a member of Lagos SWAN, but I stopped participating because of my veteran status. I used to play in the SWAN Games.
“I pledged to work with you in Ogun state. I have no choice but to work with you. If I want to succeed I have to work with you. I can only build what I’m about to do on a solid foundation.
“SWAN is the foundation of sports and without it, nothing can thrive. Everybody needs SWAN. I pledge to work with you. I will encourage my people to continue to occupy peculiar positions and not everybody understands it.
“Your suggestion about having a segment here, that’s content for me. So, as long as the packaging is of a high standard, and meets our objectives, we are good to go. And if we do it well, we can make money from it. We will collaborate with you to make sure it creates an avenue for the association to also make a name. So, without even asking, it is done.”
Speaking earlier, the SWAN Chairman in the state, Hakeem Akintunde commended Chief Odegbami for establishing the first sports radio station in Abeokuta.
Akintunde said the establishment of radio station will not only serve as an employment opportunity for young breed broadcasters, but equally rekindled the elusive “Sportainment” among Abeokuta radio listeners.
