By Pamela Eboh
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Mr Tony Nezieanya has described sports journalism as a respectable field of journalism that touches more humanity.
Mr Nezieanya stated this in Awka during the monthly Congress of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Anambra chapter on Thursday 29th February, 2024 where he was honored
He said that through hard work, dedication and passion, young journalists will get to the top saying that it was his dedication and passion for Sports reportage that paved way for him to travel to 28 countries and converting the Olympic games 5 times.
He however described as unfortunate, the attempt to foist crisis within the National leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN),v saying that it is uncalled for and unnecessary.
He cited such crisis as the reason why sports writers are loosing respect before sports administrators at the top echelon.
He said, “The recent negative image from the association was robbing it of 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, the way we comported ourselves during our time was why the then National Sports Commission made it mandatory that SWAN members should be members of Federations at the national level 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 further 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.
In his speech, the Chairman of SWAN in Anambra State, Chimezie Anaso, 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 journalism and sports in particular for over four decades.
