The Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman II says he will continue to support sports development in Nigeria until his last breath, and assures members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) of his support to the body.
According to the Emir, sports remains the unifying factor across the world; and need the support of sports journalists to effectively reach its potentials.
Suleiman who is also the Deputy Chairman of Yobe Council of Chiefs stated this when he hosted the SWAN President, Honour Sirawoo who led a delegation of members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Emir’s Palace in Gashua, Yobe State.
The monarch underlined the role of SWAN in the development of sports emphasising that “you are the people that showcase to the world whatever is happening in the sporting world; your role in sports development is therefore very crucial and cannot be wished away.”
While calling on the SWAN President to carry everyone along, the veteran badminton, tennis and football player whose fraternity with SWAN dates back over a decade stressed the need for members to work as a team for the association to forge ahead.
“You can only achieve your set goals in this association if you are united. Without unity, you cannot make headway; I therefore urge you to be united in one voice to move the association forward. On my part, I will be available to support you within my capacity any time you knock on my door,” Emir Suleiman declared.
Earlier, SWAN President, Sirawoo described the Emir as one of the most influential in Nigeria, saying his presence was part of his agenda to strengthen state chapters by creating stronger relationship between sports Administrators and SWAN saddled with the responsibility of promoting sports.
Sirawoo who disclosed that he was in the palace to thank the Emir for his numerous interventions to strengthen SWAN, said the association was proud to identify with the Monarch due to his humility, love and passion for sports despite his royal duties.
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“Your Highness, we are happy to associate with, you have been a uniting factor, shown unprecedented commitment to sports development and the growth of SWAN,” Sirawoo said.
The SWAN President described sports as a robust sector that provides the much needed opportunities for talents to blossom, create wealth, unity and a veritable tool against youth restiveness; and for a state like Yobe “encouraging sports and supporting SWAN was pivotal.
While appealing for the provision of an office accommodation and a vehicle for SWAN in Yobe, he said the Association was willing to partner individuals and organizations to promote sports in Nigeria, and added that plans were underway to reward individuals and groups who venture into sports promotion and the development of sports journalism at all levels.
