SWAN worried over problem facing Ondo sports sector

The Ondo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated the state government and residents on the Golden Jubilee celebration, while drawing attention to pressing challenges affecting the sports sector.

The association’s position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress held in Akure on Thursday, 12 February 2026. The meeting was presided over by the SWAN Ondo State Chairman, Mr Segun Giwa.

In the communiqué, SWAN congratulated the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the people of the state on the 50th anniversary celebration, describing it as a significant milestone in the state’s history.

However, the association expressed concern over what it described as the absence of formal recognition for sports icons who have represented Ondo State with distinction over the past five decades.

To address this, SWAN disclosed plans to organise a special award and celebration event in collaboration with relevant sports associations and federations to honour outstanding Ondo State indigenes who have excelled in various sporting disciplines.

The congress also urged sports stakeholders in the state to strengthen cooperation and synergy to accelerate sports development, particularly in football.

SWAN observed that the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), the body overseeing Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens, has not been working in harmony with other relevant sports associations. The association warned that such a situation could hinder progress and affect performance.

The communiqué further described as preposterous the decision by the management of ODSFA to reduce the salaries of players and officials at a critical stage of the season without providing adequate explanation, especially ahead of the second stanza of the league.

SWAN also raised concern over the absence of a standard stadium capable of hosting national sporting events in the state. It noted that this development continues to deny Ondo State economic opportunities and broader sports exposure.

The association called on the state government and relevant authorities to urgently address the identified issues in the interest of sustainable sports development in Ondo State.