The South East Zone of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has strongly criticized the exclusion of its members from the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 23rd National Sports Festival, inaugurated on Wednesday in Enugu.
In a statement circulated to members nationwide on Thursday morning, SWAN described the development as “unfortunate” and “wholly unacceptable,” expressing deep concern over the lack of representation in the committee responsible for organizing one of Nigeria’s premier sporting events.
The statement, jointly signed by the Zonal Vice President, Ikemefuna Asika, and the Zonal Secretary, Kennedy Onwunaji, stressed the importance of the association’s role in the country’s sports development. It noted that SWAN remains a key stakeholder in providing media coverage, driving public engagement, and ensuring effective communication—all of which are vital to the success of national sporting events.
“The failure to include SWAN members in the LOC undermines these contributions and disregards the association’s consistent support for sports development across the nation,” the statement read.
SWAN has called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Enugu State Government to urgently review the LOC’s composition and include its representatives to promote a more inclusive and balanced planning process for the festival.
Preparations are currently underway for the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival, which is expected to bring together thousands of athletes and sports officials from across the country.