3SC Chairman, Others Charge Oyo SWAN Members To Remain United

Alhaji Gbolagade Busari, the Chairman, 3SC Board has called on sports writers in Oyo State to remain united and shun all forms of distractions aimed at fuelling crisis among them.

Busari made the call on Wednesday during the 2nd Ramadan Lecture organized by Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter.

He urged members not to allow themselves to be used by those who are hell bent on creating crisis to satisfy selfish interest.

“I am a veteran in journalism and a member of SWAN for many years, so I know what operates in the association and their real members.

“I am here because the real sport journalists are organising this
Ramadan lecture. I am here with the likes of Ade Somefun. I sent Rasheed Balogun, 3SC General Manager on an errand, he would have been here too.

“You should remain united and not allow those outsiders trying to cause crisis in the state chapter of the association to achieve their ulterior motive,’’ he said.

Mr Ade Somefun, a former Sports Editor, Nigerian Tribune, joined Busari on the call for a united SWAN in the state, urging members to avoid all forms of distractions.

He eulogized Oyo SWAN for organising the program to educate stakeholders, urging them not to relent on the efforts.

Mr Gboyega Makinde, General Manager, Oyo State Sports Council, commended SWAN for organising the lecture, saying they would continue to encourage such.

“Last year during the maiden edition, this gathering prayed for the confirmation of my appointment as General Manager. The appointment has been confirmed and I received my letter today,’’ he said.

Amb. Romoke Ayinde, the guest lecturer, said that sports could be used to promote religion if athletes are pious and use it as a vehicle towards achieving such.

Ayinde, the Chief Executive Officer, KAYROM LEE GYM in her lecture entitled `SPORTS AS VEHICLE FOR PROMOTION OF ISLAM’ said “Akeem Olajuwon used Basketball, his kind of sport as a vehicle to promote Islam in US and a mosque was built very close to his training ground. So also is Mohammed Alli, who changed his name from Cassius
Clay.

“Alli went to Mecca immediately changed his name and became an Alhaji. He continued to be a winner in the ring and many changed to Islam,’’ she said.

She narrated how some ex-internationals like late Rashidi Yekini, late Muda Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju  to mention a few used their attitudes and commitment their beliefs in promoting Islam.

Mr Niyi Alebiosu, Oyo SWAN Chairman, said the association would not relent in promoting sports at any available opportunity.

He appreciated the guest lecturer, veterans, administrators and SWAN members for their unflinching support, promising that the association would remain united.

Among other guests present at the event are Mr Femi Johnson, Assistant Director of News, NTA, Alfa AbdulHakim Owolabi, the State Sports Council Imam and hosts of well wishers.