By Tonye Orabere
A philanthropist and sports enthusiast, Amb. Joe Cole, has pledged to partner with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State Chapter with the purpose of developing sports in the state.
He urged sports writers in the state to look beyond immediate and economic benefits and do their professional job as journalists, saying most players came to the limelight through the reportage of sports writers.
Amb. Cole, who is also director of planning, research, and statistics at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said this recently when the executive of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State Chapter paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt.
According to him, he will partner with SWAN for the forthcoming table tennis tournament for secondary schools in the state.
“For me in recent times, sports journalists in the state are not doing enough, but I urge you to do more and look beyond immediate and financial benefits.
“It is on record that notable footballers in Nigeria, mostly from Rivers State, that are doing well internationally are being exposed by sports writers through their reportage, so I will ask you people to go back to those days”,
“However, I am aware that the political and economic situation is adversely affecting every sector’s smooth operations,” Amb. Cole said.
He thanked SWAN for the visit and recognizing his little contributions in sports development and pledged to do more in his capacity.
Earlier, the chairman of SWAN in the state, Mr Cyril Dum Wite, expressed the appreciation of the association for accepting to partner with SWAN in the forthcoming table tennis tournament to be organized by the association.
He commended him for sponsorship of various football tournaments, as this will discover hidden talents and curb youth restiveness to a large extent.
Mr Dum Wite disclosed that the association in the state would take a special day to officially recognize Amb. Joe Cole for his contributions towards sports development and urged other meaningful individuals to emulate him.
