The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has advocated for more inclusion of women professionals in strategic positions within the sports ecosystem as a way of engendering the needed gender inclusiveness.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, noted that women, particularly in sports deserve all the encouragement and accolades in discharging their duties diligently.
“The Sports sector is one key vast area that capture varrying interests and make desirable impact in the lives of individuals and nations. And the place of women in sports is ubiquitous.
“Therefore, they need all the support to achieve and reach the highest heights possible. For in instance, women have brought so much glory to Nigeria by being outstanding as athletes and officials.
“I strongly believe that they can be meant to aspire for the greater. So, as the International Women’s Day is being celebrated, we come together (Irrespective of gender) not only to honor the incredible achievements of women but also to emphasise the strength, resilience and compassion they have always exhibited even as Journalists in sports writing, editing, presentation and so on.
“Indeed, from the field to the newsroom, studio, other media areas, women have been breaking barriers, shaping lives, and paving the way for future generations.
“Today, like always, I reaffirm my resolve to support the campaign for gender equality and inclusion. For a world where every woman and girl-child can live without fear, limitation, and discrimination whatsoever,” he said.
The number one sports writer in Nigeria also enjoined more young women to aspire become media professionals as a way to continue to uplift the society at all times, assuring that his leadership will always carry them along.
The IWD is celebrated March 8, every year.
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Egypt dominates Table Tennis events, hauls gold medals
USE 13th AFRICAN Games logo
Egypt’s dominance of table tennis in Africa continued unabated at the 13th African Games as the North African side retained their titles in the men and women events of the championships taking place at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana.
Omar Assar, Youssef Abdelaziz and Mohamed El-Beiali conquered Nigeria’s trio of Olajide Omotayo, Quadri Aruna and Taiwo Mati to maintain their unbeaten run in the event.
Assar defeated Omotayo 3-0 in the first game, while Abdelaziz finally halted Aruna’s dominance with a 3-1 win. El-Beiali edged Mati 3-1 to complete the 3-0 rout by the Egyptians.
Also, the Egyptian female team continued their unbeaten streak dating back 2011 in the table tennis team event after beating Nigeria 3-0 in the final.
The trio of Dina Meshref, Hana Goda and Mariam Alhodaby were dominant against Nigeria’s trio of Offiong Edem, Hope Udoaka and Fatimo Bello to retain their title at the games.
Since dethroning Nigeria at Maputo 2011 in Mozambique, the Egyptian ladies led by Meshref have been dominating the event to continue their reign as the continent’s best female team.
In the history of the games, Nigeria has won the women’s title seven times from 1978 to 2007 while Egypt’s dominance started from 2011 till date in the women’s event.
