Rivers: You’ve set the pace — Commissioner tells SWAN
…Flags off shooting sports seminar
Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
Ernest Ikoli Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Port Harcourt went agog on Friday,when the Commissioner For Sports in Rivers State, Hon. Boma Iyaye declared opened a one-day seminar on Shooting Sports, organized by the leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for its members.
Addressing participants at the event, the Commissioner for Sports Rivers State, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Honour Sirawoo said the current leadership of SWAN in the State has set the pace for others to follow, so they deserve commendation.
“This event has actually shown the direction the SWAN Chairman and her team are going, so they deserve commendation. We can’t succeed without training. The event is therefore apt. It’s only when you know what a sport is all about that you can report it. As SWAN President, our vision has been how to enhance the knowledge of members,” Iyaye said.
The Commissioner said it is important for Sports Writers to understand most sports, hence the need to acquaint oneself with the training.
“ I therefore congratulate the SWAN Chairman for midwifing this event. You have to liaise with the Sports Council to organise more trainings.I assure SWAN that the Ministry will continue to support SWAN. I have already directed the Director of Sports to act accordingly,” the Commissioner said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the SWAN Chairman, Sarah Davids had thanked the Sports Commissioner for honouring her invitation. She also lauded the Guest Speaker and Chief Trainer, Brig Gen Adeoye(Rtd) for gracing the occasion.
She expressed confidence that the aim of the programme, which is acquainting members with knowledge to enhance their reportage in sports will be achieved.
Highlight of the programme was practical shooting training of SWAN members by Brig. Gen. Lonsdale Adeoye (Rtd) and his coaching crew, which included the Rivers State Shooting Sports.
