Lagos SWAN Congratulates Deji Tinubu

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos chapter, has congratulated Hon. Deji Tinubu, on his appointment as the Commissioner for Sports in Lagos State.

In a statement signed by the Secretary, Emma Njoku, chairman of the association, Fred Edoreh, described Tinubu’s appointment as ‘a square peg in a square hole’, stressing that he would steer Lagos State back to greater heights in sports.

Edoreh who commended Governor Akinwumi Ambode for the choice of the ace sports journalist and former executive board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the sports commissioner, said the appointment clearly demonstrates the positive vision the present administration has for sports and, in deed, the youths in the state.

DEJI TINUBU

“On behalf of the executives and entire members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos chapter, I wish to congratulate our colleague, Hon. Deji Tinubu, on his appointment as the Commissioner for Sports in Lagos State,” the statement began.

“We at Lagos SWAN see the appointment as ‘a square peg in a square hole’ and strongly believe that sports would blossom in Lagos State under his watch giving his wealth of experience as a seasoned sports journalist and administrator,” Edoreh said.

“We sincerely commend His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, for the appointment which clearly demonstrates his vision to take sports in Lagos State to greater heights during his administration.

“We have no doubt that Tinubu will not only justify the confidence reposed in him by steering Lagos State back to the pinnacle of sports in the country, but also strengthen the long existing cordial relationship between Lagos SWAN and Lagos State government,” the statement concluded..

Lagos SWAN Congratulates Ambode, Hails Fashola

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Lagos chapter, has congratulated His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on his assumption of office as the Executive Governor of Lagos State and, by extension, the Grand Patron of Lagos SWAN.

A statement released by its Secretary, Emma Njoku, quoted the chairman of the association, Fred Edoreh, as expressing confidence that Governor Ambode will deliver on his campaign promises to ensure that Lagos remains the Centre of Excellence.

“On behalf of the executive committee and entire members of the Lagos SWAN, I wish to congratulate His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on his assumption of office as the Executive Governor of Lagos State. I am absolutely confident that he will not only sustain the achievements of the past leadership but even surpass them and that Lagos State will attain greater heights under his watch. I am very optimistic that he will deliver on his campaign promises to make Lagos State continually comfortable, safe and enjoyable for all Lagosians,” the statement read.

Akinwunmi Ambode Governor Lagos State

Edoreh also called on all Lagosians to support and cooperate with the government in all its policies and programmes, pointing out that “the attainment of a steadily progressive Lagos entails all hands being on deck with a great sense of civic responsibility and patriotism.”

Lagos SWAN also commended the immediate past governor, His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola, for “his record setting achievements and contributions to the state and nation building,” saying he will forever be remembered and appreciated as an innovator and social builder.”

Lagos state Governor; Babatunde Raji Fashola with Cowry RFC Captain Azeez Ladipo

“We will forever remember Governor Fashola in our sports. He was innovative, committed and exemplary and we are particularly grateful to him for his solidarity and immense support for Lagos SWAN and the media industry, and we sincerely wish him well in his future engagements.”

While pledging the total support and partnership of the association with the government for the advancement of sports in the state, Edoreh revealed that Lagos SWAN shall in due course and with consultation with the Governor’s Office organize a special ceremony for the formal investiture of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as its Grand Patron in line with the constitution and tradition of the Sports Writers Association.

Walter Oyatogun for burial March 28

The remains of the late ace sports broadcaster, Walter Oyatogun, will be laid to rest on March 28, 2014 at the Ikoyi Cemetary in Lagos.

According to the funeral programmes released by the family of the deceased iconic broadcaster, Oyatogun’s final journey will begin on March 27, with a novelty match between the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, AGN, and the MITV/Star FM team, in his honour.

There will also be, what the family described as “The last lap” to mark Walter Oyatogun’s love for jogging. “Our intention is to take him, for the last time, round the National Stadium, which used to be his favourite jogging spot” his children, Moyo and Mofe explained in a letter to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Lagos Chapter.

The last lap will be followed by a service of songs at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The service of songs will feature a number of choirs, singing groups, including the grand children of the late Oyatogun.

To respect his last wish, the body of the late ace broadcaster will lie-in-state at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on March 28 and interment will follow thereafter at the Ikoyi Cemetary while entertainment of guests follows at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos between 4:00pm and 9:00pm.