By Victor Okoye
Olusegun Runsewe, President, Nigeria Golf Federation has called on the media to use its influence to strengthen governance, partnerships and investment in the nation’s sports sector.
Runsewe made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a public lecture organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), as part of activities to mark its 60th anniversary.
The event, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, had as its theme “Leveraging the Power of the Media: Strengthening Governance, Partnership and Investment in Nigeria Sports.”
He commended SWAN for its six decades of steadfast commitment to responsible sports journalism and for consistently promoting the growth and development of sports across the country.
According to Runsewe, the media remains critical and strategic to the stability, growth and cohesion of every society, describing it as the “fourth estate of the realm” after the three arms of government.
He said the media plays a vital role in monitoring public institutions, informing citizens, setting governance agendas, fostering unity, and mobilising public and private support for national development.
Runsewe urged SWAN to re-dedicate itself to promoting transparency and accountability in sports governance through investigative and balanced reportage of ministries, commissions and federations.
He also charged the association to highlight areas needing reform, advocate grassroots sports development and project emerging talents to attract sponsorship and institutional support.
Runsewe identified major sports stakeholders to include athletes, federations, sponsors, journalists, fans, local committees and international bodies, stressing the need for synergy among all parties.
He said SWAN could help engender collaboration through effective reportage, stakeholder forums, networking events, advocacy, capacity-building programmes and mediation efforts that strengthen relationships within the sports ecosystem.
On investment, Runsewe listed opportunities in sports infrastructure, events, training academies, media, broadcasting, tourism, education and e-sports, calling on journalists to project such potentials to attract investors.
He advised SWAN members to publish stories showcasing successful investments and the economic benefits of sports, while leveraging social media platforms to promote opportunities and policy incentives for investors.
Runsewe urged journalists to remain professional, patriotic, and proactive in promoting sports as a viable industry that drives national unity, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth. (NAN)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
