By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has organised a seminar on professionalism in sports journalism and decorated four prominent individuals as patrons of the association.
The event, held on Saturday at the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Osogbo, brought together sports journalists, administrators, media practitioners and other stakeholders to deliberate on the changing nature of sports journalism and the challenges confronting practitioners in the digital age.
The seminar focused on the need for sports journalists to acquire relevant professional qualifications, embrace new media tools and maintain accuracy, credibility and ethical standards in their reportage.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ, Osun State Council, Dr. Adeyemi Aboderin, urged SWAN members without relevant professional certificates to take advantage of programmes offered by the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ).
Aboderin, who delivered a paper titled, “Qualifications, Competence, Credibility: The New Path for Sports Journalists,” said professional qualifications were becoming increasingly important in the journalism industry.
He warned that journalists who failed to acquire the necessary credentials could face challenges, including possible disqualification from participating in professional elections.
According to him, competence and credibility should complement experience in journalism, stressing that sports writers must continuously improve their knowledge and professional standing.
Aboderin also encouraged sports journalists operating blogs and other online media platforms to join the newly inaugurated Osun Online Media Chapel of the NUJ.
In another presentation titled, “The Modern Sports Journalist: Tools, Truth and Trust in New Media,” Mr. Tunde Shamsudeen urged sports journalists to maximise the opportunities provided by digital platforms.
Shamsudeen said the emergence of social media and other new media platforms had created opportunities for journalists to reach wider audiences and report events in real time.
He, however, cautioned that the speed associated with digital journalism should not compromise accuracy, saying journalists must properly investigate information before publishing it.
He urged sports journalists to verify facts and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, particularly on social media platforms where false information could spread rapidly.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Osun Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, Shina Abubakar, charged journalists to remain committed to investigative journalism.
Abubakar stressed the importance of balance and fairness in news reporting, particularly when journalists are investigating allegations or controversial issues.
He urged journalists to contact all parties involved in a matter and give them adequate opportunity to respond before publication.
The General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Ademola Daini, called on SWAN to remain proactive and play a stronger role in the development of sports in the state.
Daini urged members of the association to ask questions and raise issues concerning sports development, noting that sports journalists had an important role to play in holding stakeholders accountable.
Representing the Chairman of the Osun State Football Association (FA), Mayor Sola Fanawopo, the association’s Secretary, Amoo Abayomi, assured SWAN of the FA’s continued partnership and support.
Abayomi said the FA recognised the important role played by sports journalists in promoting sporting activities and development across the state.
The event was attended by former chairmen of Osun SWAN, Shittu Alamu and Muyideen Adeleke, as well as sports administrators and stakeholders.
Among those present were the Vice Chairman of Osun United, Prince Ayo Odidi; Community Relations Manager of Osun United, Alhaji Abimbola Risky; football enthusiast, Mr. Femi Faramade; and a Board Member of the Osun FA, Comrade Fatai Salami.
The association also used the occasion to decorate four prominent individuals as new patrons.
They are Olayiwola Olafiranye, Adamu Mohammed, Timothy Folaranmi and Michael Omage.
In their acceptance speeches, the new patrons expressed appreciation to Osun SWAN for the honour and pledged to support the association and contribute to the development of sports journalism and sports generally in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of Osun SWAN, Timothy Agbor, who was represented by his Vice Chairman, Seun Omolola, expressed appreciation to the founding fathers of the association for their contributions to its growth and development.
Agbor said the association remained committed to strengthening its relationship with stakeholders and building partnerships with individuals and organisations interested in the development of sports in Osun State.
He said stronger collaboration among sports journalists, administrators, clubs, associations and other stakeholders would contribute not only to the growth of sports journalism but also to the broader development of the sports sector in the state.
The SWAN chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professionalism, credible reporting and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the interest of sports development in Osun.
