The Osun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) recently organised a seminar on professionalism in sports journalism, highlighting the need for practitioners to adapt to new media while maintaining professional standards. The event, held at the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Osogbo, featured discussions on the evolving landscape of sports journalism. The seminar aimed to enhance members' professionalism and foster collaboration with stakeholders.
The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, Adeyemi Aboderin, urged SWAN members to acquire relevant certificates to advance their careers and avoid disqualification during elections. Aboderin delivered a lecture titled "Qualifications, Competence, Credibility: The New Path for Sports Journalists," emphasising the importance of professional credentials in the association and the broader journalism industry. He encouraged members to take advantage of programmes offered by the International Institute of Journalism.
Tunde Shamsudeen, a speaker at the event, stressed that sports journalists must maximise the opportunities provided by new media while prioritising accuracy. Shamsudeen urged journalists to thoroughly investigate information before publication, cautioning that the speed of digital platforms should not compromise accuracy. His lecture, titled "The Modern Sports Journalist: Tools, Truth and Trust in New Media," aimed to equip journalists with the skills needed to navigate the changing media landscape.
Shina Abubakar, Chairman of the Osun Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, emphasised the importance of investigative journalism and balance in reporting. Abubakar urged journalists to contact all parties involved in a story and provide them with an opportunity to respond before publication. His goodwill message encouraged journalists to remain committed to best practices in reporting.
The General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Ademola Daini, called on SWAN to be proactive in its activities and engage with issues affecting sports development in the state. Representing the Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Amoo Abayomi assured SWAN of the FA's continued partnership and support. The event was attended by sports administrators, stakeholders, and former chairmen of the association.
The Osun SWAN chapter decorated four new patrons – Olayiwola Olafiranye, Adamu Mohammed, Timothy Folaranmi, and Michael Omage – during the event. The new patrons expressed appreciation for the honour and pledged their partnership and support for the association. The event was a testament to the association's commitment to strengthening its relationship with stakeholders.
The Chairman of Osun SWAN, Timothy Agbor, expressed appreciation to the founding fathers of the association for their contributions to its growth. Agbor, represented by his Vice Chairman, Seun Omolola, said the association was committed to partnering with relevant individuals and organisations to develop sports in Osun State. The seminar and decoration of new patrons underscored the association's dedication to professionalism and collaboration.
Key points
- Osun SWAN organised a seminar on professionalism in sports journalism to enhance members' skills and foster collaboration with stakeholders.
- The association decorated four new patrons, who pledged their partnership and support for the association.
- Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of professional credentials, investigative journalism, and balance in reporting.
