The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has raised concerns over widespread complaints of age falsification by states and officials at the just concluded National Youth Games (NYG).
The association made its position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Convention held alongside the 9th NYG at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The communiqué, released on Sunday, was signed by Chimezie Anaso, Abel Leonard and Johnson Bassey, members of the drafting committee, as well as Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General of SWAN.
SWAN urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to adopt stronger measures to check age cheating, stressing that strict enforcement of age limits was vital to the purpose of grassroots sports development.
The body commended the Delta State Government for hosting the ninth edition successfully and congratulated Team Lagos for emerging overall winners of the competition for the first time. It also called on future hosts to build on the standards set in Delta.
SWAN criticised the lack of deliberate investment in human capital development, particularly in engaging young people through sports, and appealed to state governments to grant journalists access to cover sporting activities in their domains, including Government Houses.
“We note with concern low or no participation by Ebonyi, Gombe, Zamfara, Borno and Kebbi at the 9th NYG. Aside from empowerment, SWAN emphasises the role of sports in curbing insecurity and improving citizens’ overall well-being,” the communiqué read.
The body wished the Enugu State Government success as hosts of the 2026 National Sports Festival and urged early renovation of sports facilities ahead of the biennial event. It also reiterated calls for the inclusion of the SWAN Enugu Chapter Chairman in the Local Organising Committee, as was the case in previous editions.
SWAN further encouraged its members to uphold professionalism in their duties, ensure greater inclusion of women in sports coverage, and prepare for the association’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary in October, calling for support from corporate organisations and individuals.
The association also commended Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Honourable Amadin Enabulele, Ogun State Commissioner of Sports, Wasiu Isiaka, and Nigeria Volleyball Federation President, Musa Nimrod, for their initiatives and media support towards sports development.
(NAN)