The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has called for urgent and coordinated action to revive sports development in the state, expressing deep concern over the declining fortunes of state owned football clubs and the need for improved athlete welfare.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s congress held on July 10 at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure.
The meeting, which was presided over by the State Chairman, Segun Giwa, was attended by members who deliberated extensively on issues affecting sports development, football administration and the welfare of athletes in Ondo State.
A major highlight of the congress was the call on the management of Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens FC to commence early preparations for the forthcoming football season to ensure their immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), respectively.
The association expressed disappointment over the relegation of Sunshine Queens to the Nigeria Women Football League Championship for the third consecutive time, describing the development as unacceptable and urging the club’s management to take decisive steps to reverse the trend.
SWAN also urged the Ondo State Football Agency to stabilize the technical crew of Sunshine Queens under Coach Tayo Onilude, following the team’s impressive performance in the President Federation Cup.
The association called for the strengthening of the coaching and administrative structure while retaining the core of the squad, especially players who played key roles in the club’s run to the semi-finals of the competition.
Despite the club’s league struggles, the congress commended Sunshine Queens for reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 President Federation Cup, describing the achievement as a demonstration of resilience and determination.
The association also praised the outstanding performance of the Sunshine Stars U-19 team, which impressed in both its league campaign and the President Federation Cup by defeating several NPFL clubs before reaching the Round of 16.
To sustain the progress recorded by the youth side, SWAN appealed to the management of Sunshine Stars to keep the U-19 squad together, promote outstanding players into the senior team and continue investing in youth development as a pathway to sporting success and financial sustainability.
The congress further urged the Ondo State Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to begin early preparations for the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu, stressing that adequate planning would improve the state’s performance on the medals table.
It also called on the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council to prioritize the welfare of athletes and officials throughout the preparation period and during the festival.
In addition, SWAN appealed to the Ondo State Government to reactivate all Sports Associations by reconstituting their boards where necessary or engaging the existing leadership to revitalize grassroots and elite sports across the state.
The association equally urged the state government to appropriately reward athletes and officials who have distinguished Ondo State through outstanding performances at national and international competitions, noting that recognition and motivation remain critical to sustained sporting excellence.
The communiqué was signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee led by Chairman Bolu-Olu Esho, Secretary Femi Atolagbe, Member Tunde Lawal, and was electronically endorsed by the Secretary of the association, Joseph Adesuyan
