Nasarawa youth, sports Permanent Secretary, Stephen attends SWAN’s 2nd anniversary ceremony, pledges ministry’s support
The Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Stephen Iliya Sasetu, on Wednesday, represented the Commissioner for the Ministry, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, at the 2nd anniversary celebration of the leadership of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Nasarawa State Chapter, held at the NUJ Press Centre, in Lafia.
At the event, Stephen reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with SWAN to advance sports development in Nasarawa State.
The Permanent Secretary described sports journalists as “critical custodians of the truth and architects of perception” whose reportage shapes public opinion and inspires the next generation of athletes.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of this celebration. I thank the SWAN Chairman for extending invitation to me.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, let me felicitate with SWAN, Nasarawa State Chapter, on your 2nd anniversary celebration.
“Two years of dedicated service and promoting sports development is no mean feat.
“What you do directly affects my ministry. Let me thank you for your responsible, objective and professional sports journalism.
“Sports writers play a vital role in shaping public perception, celebrating our athletes, documenting our achievements and inspiring the next generation of sports men and women and stakeholders.
“Your contributions have helped to showcase the immense potential of sports in our State, and have complimented the efforts of Government in developing the sector.
“Sport is one of the leading job employers in the world today.
“As a Ministry, we are working tirelessly to revive the defunct Nasarawa State Sports Festival which was last held in 2003. Once we have firmed up all arrangements, we would invite SWAN to unveil the plans we have for the State in that regards.”
“On behalf of the Commissioner, and entire Ministry, let me pledge our total support to the leadership of SWAN in the State, and the Association.
“We see you not just as reporters, but as key stakeholders and partners in progress.
“We will continue to work with you to achieve our mutual goals”, the Permanent Secretary remarked.
He charged members of the Association to continue to raise the bar of professionalism, embrace fact-based solution-driven journalism that will add value to policy formulation and talent development.
“So, let’s remain focused to ethical journalism and constructive partnerships, enmeshed with the promotion of unity and excellence through sports reporting.”
Stephen commended the Ministry’s Head of Public Relations, Eche Amos, for his exemplary professionalism and transformational impact, describing him as a highly respected sports journalist in Nigeria and beyond.
He noted that Eche Amos has been instrumental in redefining the Ministry’s communication strategy, deepening media relations, and ensuring that the achievements of Nasarawa State in sports receive the visibility they deserve both locally and internationally.
“Thank you for giving us one of your very best in this profession, Mr. Eche Amos, as our Head of Public Relations. He is a respected journalist who has continued to contribute immensely to the growth and development of the Ministry, Nasarawa State, and Nigeria as a whole.”
Earlier, Chairman of SWAN, Nasarawa State Chapter, Comrade Smah George, expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary and Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for its consistent support and for identifying with the Association’s anniversary.
He pledged that SWAN in the State would remain committed to ethical journalism, capacity building, and the promotion of professional and grassroots sports.
Goodwill messages were delivered by retired Deputy Director of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Musa Abdullahi, who was the pioneer chairman of SWAN in Nasarawa State; former General Manager of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service and 3rd Chairman of SWAN in the State, Comrade Aloko Flashman; General Manager of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service, Madam Patricia Akawu; former SWAN Vice President, North Central Zone, Danmusa Mohammed; Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nasarawa State Chapter, Comrade Ibrahim Dauda; retired Director at Nasarawa Broadcasting Service, Mr. Alfred Akwe; and Head of Public Relations, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Eche Amos.
The event featured lecture on Teqball, its rules and regulations, as members participated in practical session of the game of Teqball.
