Ndubuoke Blames SWAN For Mismanagement Of Sports
Renowned sports journalist Chief Fan Ndubuoke has unequivocally attributed the mismanagement of sports in the country to sports journalists themselves.
Ndubuoke, who is a former President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), expressed his disappointment that members of this professional body have abandoned professionalism and ethics in pursuit of personal gain.
The esteemed sports journalist and administrator made these remarks in a paper he presented at a workshop organized by SWAN in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday.
He highlighted that many practitioners today no longer strive for mastery in their craft, instead opting to align themselves for government patronage, political connections, and easy financial gains.
The inaugural Chairman of the Imo State Sports Commission observed that many sports journalists have become complacent, lacking motivation and the willingness to challenge themselves.
This has resulted in a loss of investigative spirit, a weakening of critical analysis, an erosion of independence, a decline in creativity and innovation, and a compromise of ethical standards.
Ndubuoke argued that when sports journalists become beholden to politicians, sports administrators, agents, and scouts, they lose the independence necessary to elevate the profession.
He asserted that corruption has undermined the work ethic of sports journalists, thereby eroding the foundational principles upon which SWAN was established.
He lamented that SWAN has permitted sports administration to operate like a Ponzi scheme in the country, noting that for years, the National Sports Commission functioned without legal grounding.
According to him, when institutions lack legal clarity, they become susceptible to manipulation, leading to widespread corruption.
The sports journalist and administrator from Mbaise asserted that a segment of SWAN has facilitated this decay by celebrating frivolities, overlooking illegality, and participating in the pursuit of estacode and brown envelopes.
He urged sports journalists to adhere to ethical journalism, which requires holding sports administrators accountable.
He reiterated the need for the national leadership of SWAN to return to the founding principles of the association, which include the training and retraining of members, promoting sports development, defending the rights and welfare of members, and upholding dignity, integrity, and professionalism.
He asserted that the association must reclaim its role as a credible partner in sports development rather than serving as a pawn in the hands of administrators.
Ndubuoke maintained that only when sports journalists remain steadfast, guided by ethics and a commitment to excellence, will SWAN reclaim its rightful position as a guardian of Nigerian sports and a beacon of journalistic integrity.
