The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed concerns over the complaints of widespread age falsification by states and officials at the just concluded National Youth Games (NYG).
SWAN made the remarks in a Communique issued at the end of its National Convention held at the end of the 9th NYG at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba.
The Communique which was made available on Sunday was signed by Chimezie Anaso, Abel Leonard, Johnson Bassey, Chairman, Secretary and member of the Communique drafting committee and Ikenna Okonkwo Secretary-General of SWAN.
The sports writers called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to adopt enhanced measures of checking age-cheat.
They also said that strict adherence to age limits would help to achieve the desired essence of grassroots sports development.
The association commended the Delta State Government for the successful hosting of the ninth edition of the National Youth Games.
SWAN congratulated Team Lagos for emerging overall winners at the end of the competition for the first time and urged hosts of subsequent editions to improve on the Delta State experience.
SWAN further frowned at lack of deliberate investment in human capital development, especially in engaging the growing youth population through sports development.
The body appealed to State governments to grant access for the coverage of sporting activities in their domain especially in Government Houses.
The communique stated thus: “We note with concern low or no participants 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.
“While wishing the Enugu State Government success in hosting 2026 National Sports Festival, we emphasise the need for timely upgrade/renovation of sports facilities ahead of the biennial event.
“SWAN reiterates calls for inclusion of its Enugu Chapter Chairman in the Local Organising Committee of the festival as it obtained in previous editions,” it added.
SWAN encouraged members to maintain professionalism in their day-to-day discharge of duties as well as ensure inclusion of women in the coverage of national competitions.
It an urged members to brace up for the celebration of its 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary scheduled for October while urging corporate organisations and individuals to partner with it.
“SWAN commends Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Honourable Amadin Enabulele, Ogun State Commissioner of Sports, Wasiu Isiaka and Musa Nimrod, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation for bold initiatives and sustained media relations in support development approach
