The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, has called on the Kano State Government to urgently declare a state of emergency in the sports sector, citing years of stagnation, underinvestment, and recent tragedy as compelling reasons for immediate intervention.
The resolution was reached during an emergency meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of SWAN held on Monday, June 24, 2025.
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According to a press release jointly signed by Zaharadeen Saleh, Chairman of SWAN Kano, and Muhammad Nur, the Chapter’s Secretary, the association stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the sports sector in the state, emphasizing that without genuine political will and decisive action, Kano risks losing its place in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
“Sports in Kano is currently at a critical crossroads,” the statement read. “Inadequate funding, outdated or non-existent facilities, governance failures, lack of sponsorship, and a dearth of qualified personnel—particularly in coaching—have hindered progress and disillusioned many stakeholders.”
The association decried the inefficient use of scarce resources in the sector and called for meaningful reforms capable of attracting investment and reviving grassroots and elite sports development in the state.
SWAN Kano also used the opportunity to pay tribute to athletes, coaches, and officials from the state who tragically lost their lives after representing Kano with distinction at the recently concluded Gateway Games in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“These individuals brought honor to Kano and died in active service to the state. Their memories deserve to be immortalized,” the statement continued.
SWAN called on the government to name a major sports facility in their honor and to institute an annual sporting event as a tribute to their sacrifice, which, it said, would serve as a source of inspiration for upcoming athletes.
Furthermore, the association appealed for immediate financial and welfare support to the families of the deceased, many of whom are now struggling with school-age children, nursing mothers, and elderly dependents.
“The government must rise to the occasion by offering scholarships, grants, and economic support packages to ease the burden on these grieving families,” it said.
SWAN also emphasized the symbolic and motivational importance of high-level government presence at national sporting events. “The physical presence of state officials boosts athlete morale and demonstrates a genuine commitment to sports development,” it noted.
The association further called for urgent efforts to reposition Kano Pillars Football Club, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most iconic sports institutions. Restoring the club to its former status, SWAN stated, would have a cascading positive effect across the sports ecosystem in Kano.
While highlighting its concerns, SWAN commended the Kano State Government for the timely release of funds to support the state contingent that participated in the 22nd National Sports Festival.
“This timely gesture was appreciated, but it must now serve as a foundation for a broader and long-term commitment to rebuild, rebrand, and reposition sports in Kano State,” the association concluded
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