The Osun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has organised a seminar on professionalism in sports journalism and decorated four prominent individuals as patrons of the association.

The event at the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Osogbo, also featured discussions on the changing landscape of sports journalism and the need for practitioners to embrace new media while upholding professional standards.

Speaking the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, Adeyemi Aboderin urged SWAN members without certificates relevant to their professional progression to take advantage of programmes offered by the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ).

Delivering a lecture titled “Qualifications, Competence, Credibility: The New Path for Sports Journalists,” Aboderin said acquiring relevant qualifications would help members avoid possible disqualification during elections, stressing the importance of professional credentials within the association and the wider journalism industry

He encouraged sports journalists operating blogs and other online platforms to join the newly inaugurated Osun Online Media Chapel of the NUJ.

Also speaking on the topic, “The Modern Sports Journalist: Tools, Truth and Trust in New Media,” Tunde Shamsudeen urged sports journalists to maximise the opportunities provided by new media.

Shamsudeen stressed that the speed of digital platforms should not come at the expense of accuracy, urging journalists to investigate information thoroughly before publication.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Osun Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, Shina Abubakar, charged journalists to remain committed to investigative journalism.

Abubakar also emphasised the importance of balance in reporting, urging journalists investigating issues to contact all parties involved and give them an opportunity to respond before publication.

The General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council, Ademola Daini, called on SWAN to be proactive in its activities and urged members to ask questions on issues affecting sports development in the state.

Representing the Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, Sola Fanawopo, the association’s Secretary, Amoo Abayomi, assured SWAN of the FA’s continued partnership and support.

The event was attended by former chairmen of the association, Shittu Alamu and Muyideen Adeleke, as well as sports administrators and stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman of Osun United, Ayo Odidi; Community Relations Manager of Osun United, Abimbola Risky; football enthusiast, Femi Faramade; and Board Member of the Osun FA, Fatai Salami.

The association also decorated four new patrons – Olayiwola Olafiranye, Adamu Mohammed, Timothy Folaranmi and Michael Omage.

In their acceptance speech, they expressed appreciation to Osun SWAN for the honour and pledged their partnership and support for the association.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Osun SWAN, Timothy Agbor, who was represented by his Vice Chairman, Seun Omolola, expressed appreciation to the founding fathers of the association for their contributions to its growth.

Agbor said the association remained committed to strengthening its relationship with stakeholders and was ready to partner with relevant individuals and organisations for the development of sports in Osun State.

He said such partnerships would contribute to the growth of sports journalism and the broader sports sector in the state.