From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in Cross River State, Comrade Mike Akpang, has called for deliberate and strategic actions to revitalise sporting activities and strengthen the association’s operations in the state.
Akpang made the call while reading a correspondence from the national headquarters of SWAN, stressing the need for purposeful, sports-driven strategies to keep the association active and relevant.
“There is a need for strong and practical strategies that will revamp the association’s framework and enhance sporting activities in Cross River State,” he said.
He noted that sustaining an active SWAN chapter required urgent planning and collective commitment from members and stakeholders, adding that proactive engagement would reposition the association for greater impact.
The SWAN chairman disclosed plans for courtesy visits to key stakeholders in the state’s sports sector, including the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Archibong Bassey; the Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Mr Etta Lawrence; and the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Agnes Atsu.
According to him, formal letters would soon be submitted to the officials as part of efforts to foster collaboration and strengthen institutional relationships.
Akpang further said the association had a mandate to organise sporting activities and partner with non-governmental organisations to achieve tangible results in sports development.
He announced that the SWAN executive council was planning an award ceremony to honour outstanding sportsmen, sportswomen and veterans for their contributions and sacrifices in winning laurels for Cross River State.
The chairman said financial arrangements were being put in place to ensure successful execution of the programmes, expressing optimism that the SWAN national leadership would support the initiatives.
He added that other proposed activities include the organisation of military and paramilitary games as part of efforts to broaden sports participation and promote unity through sports in the state.
