The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take decisive action to revamp the ailing sports sector in the state. This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s congress held in Akure on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The congress, chaired by Mr. Segun Giwa and Secretary Mr. Joseph Adesuyan, began with a commendation of the current state SWAN leadership for their dedication to members’ welfare and professional integrity.
While the body appreciated the state government for supporting athletes at the recently concluded 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, it expressed disappointment over the overall performance of the state contingent. SWAN urged the government to begin early preparations ahead of the 23rd edition of the festival slated for Enugu in 2026.
Congress also applauded the courage and determination of Ondo athletes and their coaches who overcame logistical and infrastructural challenges to bring medals home, despite operating under difficult conditions.
However, major concerns were raised about the dilapidated state of the Akure Township Stadium, which has forced both Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens to play their home matches outside the state — a situation that SWAN believes contributed to Sunshine Stars’ recent relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“Renovation works have either drastically slowed down or been completely abandoned,” the communiqué stated. The association urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to personally visit the stadium and demonstrate a genuine commitment to restoring Ondo State’s sporting infrastructure.
SWAN further drew attention to the abandoned new stadium project at Araromi in Akure, calling on the state government to resume work immediately, emphasizing that the state, since its creation, still lacks a functional state-owned stadium.
In a strong message to the government, SWAN advocated for the appointment of competent and passionate individuals to lead the Ministry of Sports, the Ondo State Football Agency, and the State Sports Council.
Furthermore, the congress encouraged all 18 local government chairmen in the state to actively support grassroots sports development by organizing community-based competitions and collaborating with SWAN for technical input. It also called for disciplinary action against officials found guilty of corrupt or unethical conduct in the sports sector.
Signed by Tosin Ajuwon, Chairman; Olabisi Longe, Secretary; and Adebayo Familoyo, Member of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.
