The Chairman of the Nationwide Sports activities Fee, Shehu Dikko, has cautioned Nigerian sports activities journalists in opposition to sensational and unverified reporting, stating that the credibility of the media straight influences nationwide unity and the expansion of the sports activities business.
Talking on the opening ceremony of the Sports activities Writers Affiliation of Nigeria (SWAN) sixtieth Anniversary and Diamond Jubilee celebration in Abuja, Dikko careworn that journalists should prioritise accuracy over pace in right now’s fast-paced data ecosystem.
“If we succeed, we succeed collectively; and if we fail, it is usually collectively. Our doorways are all the time open—however for the success of our nation, we should be guided by information and reality,” Dikko warned.
He condemned the current circulation of baseless claims alleging that FIFA and CAF funds have been launched to the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF), describing such studies as “deliberately deceptive narratives able to creating pointless public mistrust.”
Dikko challenged media professionals to leverage their affect to strengthen public confidence somewhat than gas misinformation.
He urged sports activities journalists to deal with agenda-setting reportage that enhances the popularity of Nigerian sports activities, evokes patriotism, and helps nationwide groups—notably because the Tremendous Eagles push for qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
The week-long Diamond Jubilee—tagged “The Energy of Sports activities Media: Honouring Its Legacy, Shaping the Future”—will function lectures, award ceremonies, and interactive periods spotlighting six many years of SWAN’s position in shaping sports activities discourse and nationwide identification.
Additionally in attendance have been the Director-Normal of the Nationwide Institute for Sports activities, Comrade Philip Shaibu, and the Spouse of the Senate President, who each applauded SWAN’s contribution to nationwide cohesion by way of accountable sports activities journalism.
The anniversary occasions proceed by way of the week with discussions centred on the evolution of sports activities reporting, moral requirements, and the way forward for media-driven sports activities growth in Nigeria.
