The re-elected Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, has called on the Ogun State Government to adopt a comprehensive sports master plan and restore commercial night activities at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena to enhance sports development and boost revenue generation.
Speaking shortly after his unopposed re-election at the association’s 12th Triennial Delegates’ Congress in Abeokuta, Ogunsiji said the state needed a long-term strategy to improve sporting infrastructure, promote grassroots talent discovery and strengthen athlete development. While commending Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for investing in sports facilities, he expressed concern over the poor condition of the stadium’s swimming pool, the absence of a functional practice pitch and the use of parts of the sports complex as a car park and driving practice ground.
Describing his re-election as a vote of confidence in his first-term leadership, Ogunsiji promised an inclusive and transparent administration focused on reviving grassroots sports. He also appealed to the state government to donate an 18-seater bus to the chapter, noting that Ogun SWAN had never received one in its over 50-year history. He further lamented poor sponsorship of the SWAN Security Cup, SWAN Media Cup and SWAN Week, promising to revive the competitions, expand training programmes and introduce more initiatives to discover young sporting talents.
As part of his second-term agenda, Ogunsiji announced plans to organise a SWAN Forum ahead of the 2027 governorship election, where candidates would present their policies on sports, the economy and security. He also praised Remo Stars FC Chairman, Otunba Kunle Soname, for his contributions to football development and urged the Ogun State Football Association to intensify talent discovery to restore the state’s legacy of producing national football stars.
SWAN National President Isaiah Benjamin, represented by the South-West Vice President, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, presented certificates of return to the newly elected executives and commended the chapter for conducting a peaceful election. APC governorship hopeful and Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), also congratulated Ogunsiji, pledging to partner with the association to improve sporting infrastructure and create more opportunities for young athletes if elected governor in 2027.
