Ogun State Government has encouraged sports writers in the country to continue to uphold the values of integrity, accuracy and respect in their reportage.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka made the call in Abeokuta at a workshop put together by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun State Chapter in commemoration of 2024 World Sports Journalists day.

Mr Isiaka, who acknowledged the vital role that sports journalists play in bringing the passion, excitement, and stories of sports to the world, said the activities of  SWAN in Ogun State had redefined sports journalism.

In a lecture entitled ‘The integral Role of Sports Journalism in the Media Landscape,’ a veteran sports journalists, Deacon ‘Kunle Oluwusi stressed the need for prospective Sports Journalists to be determined and passionate to enable them to succeed in the profession.

Deacon Oluwusi, who is the Head, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, MAPOLY Radio, also encouraged the students to leverage on the rise in the Information Communication Technology, ICT, to carve a niche for themselves in spite of the challenges associated with Sports Journalism.

In their separate remarks, former chairmen of SWAN in Ogun State, Mr Biodun Alabi and Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde harped on the for the students be focused and determined in their quest to excel as sports journalist.

Earlier, the Chairman of the association in the state, Mr Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji had explained that the capacity for students of the institution was necessary towards developing and nurturing potential sports journalists in the country.