The Kwara state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), may direct its members to boycott the 5th National Youth Games, holding in Ilorin from Saturday, Sept. 7 to Tue. Sept. 17.
This was part of the decision reached by the body after its State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting on Friday in Ilorin; following the failure of the organisers to consider the activities of the media in their plans.
In a statement signed by the Secretary, Olayinka Owolewa, the Association said the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, has consistently disrespected its members over the years through the non-provision of the media centre and shuttle buses for journalists, and a cumbersome accreditation process.
It maintained that if a member of the Association had been considered to be part of the MOC or LOC these issues would have been addressed.
“Right from the beginning of the staging of the NYG in Ilorin, the Ministry has never provided a media Centre; how do you hold an event like this and Sports Journalists will be hanging under trees to work; no room to compare notes or shuttle bus to ease movement; we have complained over the years, yet no change.
“What we are asking for is a media Centre, Shuttle bus to assist our members to the various venue and a seamless accreditation process for journalists covering the games.
The statement disclosed that if nothing changes between now and early hours of Sunday, the chapter will officially notify its National Secretariat with a view to seeking a wider blackout of this year’s National Youth Games in the media, and urged its members to wait for directives.
