SWAN Calls On Gov Uzodimma To Probe Fund Utilization @ NDSF, Urges Govt On Early Funding For NSF

Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Imo State Chapter has frowned at the recent poor performance and funding of Imo state contingent at the just concluded maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival organized and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC on the celebration of their 25 years anniversary.

In a communique made public by the sports writers after their monthly congress held on Wednesday April 16, 2025, the body among many other issues urged the government to ensure the release of funds ahead proper preparations for the National Sports Festival to be held later in May at Ogun State..

Parts of the release read;

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, held its monthly meeting for April 2025 on Tuesday, 15th April 2025, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. During the meeting, members extensively deliberated on several issues, particularly the recently concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. The festival, organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was part of activities marking the Commission’s 25th anniversary.

After receiving and considering reports from members who covered the event on self sponsorship, Imo SWAN expressed concern over the following observations:

 *Observations* :

1. *Disappointing Performance:* Team Imo delivered a dismal performance at the NDSF, finishing in the 8th position, out of 9 participating states, despite the alleged early disbursement of over N50 million to each state by the NDDC, and an additional N10 million to every State Sports Commissioner. This outcome contrasts sharply with Imo’s previous record of excellence in regional sports events.

2. *Late Arrival:* Team Imo’s delayed arrival at the NDSF despite being adequately mobilized by the organisers, the NDDC, significantly lowered athletes' morale and contributed to the team’s underperformance.

3. *Poor Kitting*: Imo athletes were poorly kitted, a situation that not only embarrassed the contingent but also tarnished the image of Imo State.

4. *Funding Issues:* Basketball and other sports reported that they could not access the allocated funds with which to prepare their teams among other logistics, which directly affected their preparations and overall performance.

5. *Denied Training Opportunities:* The refusal by the Sports Commissioner, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha to approve the athletes’ training at the Okigwe Township Stadium—despite the facility having tartan tracks—due to lame excuses of lack of funding is deeply troubling despite efforts made by the NDDC to mobilise all participating states financially for them to prepare their sportsmen and women.

6. *Inadequate Media Coverage:* Despite the availability of funds, there was a glaring inadequate media coverage for Imo’s contingent. This neglect failed to give the team and the state proper exposure and undermined the value of sports as a media-driven event.

 *Recommendations* :

In light of the above concerns, Imo SWAN expresses serious apprehension about the state’s readiness for the upcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled to take place in Ogun State next month. The association, therefore, makes the following recommendations to the Imo State Government:

1. *Probe Fund Utilization:* Governor Hope Uzodimma is urged to initiate a thorough investigation into the disbursement and utilization of the funds released by the NDDC for the NDSF.

2. *Early Preparation:* The government should seize the opportunity provided by the NDSF participation to release funds early to ensure that athletes prepare early for the NSF, to avoid a repeat of the poor showing witnessed in Uyo.

3. *Infrastructure Upgrade:* Urgent attention should be given to the rehabilitation of dilapidated sports facilities across the state. 

This includes the repair of the Grasshopper Handball Stadium, the tartan track, and the re-roofing of the Dan Anyiam Stadium main bowl.

4. *Athlete Development:* There is an evident lack of adequate preparation of athletes representing the state at national events. The government must move beyond rhetorics and commit to the sustained development and training of its athletes to restore the state’s competitive edge.

5. *Media Engagement:* It is regrettable that Imo State did not facilitate the participation of its SWAN members at the NDSF, unlike other states. The government should recognize the crucial role of sports journalism in promoting and documenting sporting achievements and ensure proper media representation at future events.

6. *NDDC partnership with SWAN* : It is also not out of place for the NDDC to seek collaboration with SWAN in each state to enable them drive effectively the objective of the competition.

 Conclusions:

Imo SWAN commends the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the sole sponsor of the NDSF, for this laudable and visionary initiative aimed at fostering grassroots sports development in the Niger Delta region.

 Signed:

Anthony Ahize

Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee

Athan Agbakwuru

Secretary, Communiqué Drafting Committee

Tunde Liadi,

Member, Communique Drafting Committee