The Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has lauded the state government on the development of sports infrastructure in preparation for hosting the National Sports Festival, tagged the “Gateway Games.”
In a communiqué released following its congress held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the SWAN Secretariat within the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, the association specifically highlighted the provision of world-class sporting facilities across the state, with the new swimming pool receiving particular commendation.
However, while acknowledging the recent upgrade of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the congress also raised concerns regarding critical infrastructure deficiencies within the stadium that require urgent attention.
These include the dilapidated state of the dressing rooms, the absence of a proper medical bay, and the lack of a designated media gallery.
The communiqué, jointly signed by SWAN Chairman, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, Secretary, Segun Folarin, and members of the communiqué drafting committee – Daud Olatunji (Chairman), Yetunde Fatungase (Secretary), and Babajide Adewunmi (Member) – emphasised the vital role of modern media facilities in ensuring quality coverage of sporting events, both during and after the festival.
Furthermore, the congress urged the state government to revisit the long-abandoned multi-million-dollar FIFA Goal Project situated within the stadium premises.
SWAN highlighted that the project, fully funded by FIFA and already implemented in other states, only requires land allocation by the Ogun State government to commence.
A key point of concern for SWAN was the non-inclusion of a dedicated media centre in the current upgrade plans for the MKO Abiola Stadium.
The association stressed that such a facility would be invaluable for journalists covering the games and would serve as a lasting legacy of the festival for media professionals.
SWAN cautioned that Ogun State must adhere to established standards that recognize the crucial role of media involvement in sports development.
Looking beyond the National Sports Festival, the congress strongly advised the state government against any plans to concession the MKO Abiola International Stadium.
Instead, SWAN advocated for the stadium to remain accessible to the public, emphasizing its importance in talent identification and the promotion of grassroots sports.
Finally, while pledging a welcoming and supportive environment for all journalists covering the Gateway Games, the association appealed to the state government to include the SWAN Secretariat, located within the stadium complex, in the ongoing reconstruction efforts to improve its standard and functionality.
The communiqué explicitly stated the need for a media gallery within the stadium for the smooth coverage of sports events even after the NSF and reiterated the call to action regarding the stalled FIFA Goal Project, emphasizing its lack of financial burden on the state.
The association’s plea to reconsider the concessioning of the stadium and its call for the inclusion of a media centre underscore the importance SWAN places on media infrastructure and public access to sporting facilities for the long-term benefit of sports development in Ogun State.
