Breaking: MAPOLY Ex-Union Leader, Ogunsiji Emerges Ogun SWAN Chairman

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ogun State chapter has elected Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji popularly known as Dpress at its new Chairman. 

Ogunsiji was elected unopposed with 23 votes in a free and fair electoral process which also brought in Mr Taiwo Fabajo of Family FM as Vice-Chairman.

He expressed his  gratitude to the Almighty God and attributed his victory to divine intervention and the belief that the responsibility to lead had been bestowed upon him. 

He lauded the unwavering support of outgoing State Chairman, Comrade Akeem Akintunde, for having faith in his capabilities to take over the mantle of leadership. 

He acknowledged the instrumental roles played by past chairmen and undisclosed individuals whose support made his election a reality.

As the newly-elected Chairman, Comrade Ogunsiji highlighted his commitment to the development of sports in the state. 

He emphasized the need for unequal integrity, proven dignity, and honor in leadership, pledging to lead the Association with a strong focus on fostering growth and welfare for its members.

In a bid to make Ogun State a powerhouse in sports, Comrade Ogunsiji outlined a series of critical priorities that require immediate attention.

Ogunsiji mentioned; resuscitation of annual Principal’s Cup among public secondary schools in Ogun state sponsored by GTBank amongst others as priorities.

"Multi-sports school sports competitions in the primary and secondary schools to be brought back to life to discover more talents in the grassroots.

"Revive the Gateway Tertiary Institutions Games (GATIG) among Higher institutions in Ogun state which has become a glorified inter-house with little or no contribution from the state government.

"The State Football team, Gateway United Football Club that has been languishing in the lower rung of the Nigeria Football League due to lack of attention should be restructured, rebranded and funded for its to get promotion to the elite division of the Nigerian league.

"Attention should be given to playing pitch of the MKO Abiola stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta to attract quality international matches as it was in the past.

"Facilities at the Alake Sports Centre which has produced many champions for the state in the past is in a state comatose. From the boxing gym, to the indoor sports hall, and equipments of the various games, needs rehabilitation. The state athletes are training in tears and blood to win the little laurels that they have been winning.

"Ogun State Sports Festival to be held every two years so that athletes that will go to the National Sports festival will be discovered, nurtured, camped, and motivated to make the state proud at the Nigeria Olympics.

"To galvanize the above, generate ideas and put them into action that can lead to vibrancy in Ogun Sports, SWAN proposes a Sports Summit to be sponsored fully by the State Government and midwife by Ogun SWAN."