NOC spokesman condemns those working to destroy national SWAN

Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), has described as unfortunate, attempt to foist crisis within the National leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Nezianya said this while addressing members at the February Congress of the Anambra Chapter of SWAN, after receiving an award of recognition in Awka, on Friday.

He described sports journalism as a respectable field of journalism that touches humanity.

Nezianya said that the recent negative image from the association was robbing it off the glory that earned the body a place of pride among the National Sports Federations in the 1980s and1990s.

“Sports journalism is a passion for me, and the way we comported ourselves during our time was highly commendable.

“That was why the then National Sports Commission made it mandatory that SWAN members, should be members of Federations and associations at the state level.

“Unfortunately, some people are bent on destroying the association; this has robbed SWAN of the glory that made it a special bride in the sports circle.

“Now all we hear is fight everywhere, how will people take us seriously,” he said.

Nezianya, called on sports federations to improve their functionality by effectively engaging media professionals to assist them in promoting their various sports.

He commended the Anambra chapter for their focus and unity and for not allowing needless distractions to affect their operations.

Earlier, Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN in Anambra thanked Nezianya for his fatherly disposition towards the chapter.

He urged members who wished to rise to the zenith of their careers to study and emulate the commitment, zeal and passion which Nezianya devoted to sports journalism.