BY: AMINU ABBA KWARU.
aakwaru@gmail.com
The incident where members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was turned away while attempting to cover the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) match between Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes raises significant concerns about the treatment of media personnel in the promotion of sports in Nigeria.
Despite identifying themselves as accredited journalists, these media representatives were told to buy match tickets, This situation underscores a growing trend of disregard for the role journalists play in promoting the sport and ensuring that football matches are covered and reported accurately.
SWAN MEMBERS make immense sacrifices to ensure the public stays informed about the games, players, and events surrounding the teams. They attend matches in often less-than-ideal conditions, invest their time and energy into writing reports, capturing images, or broadcasting matches—yet they rarely receive compensation in the form of match tickets or other benefits.
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The work SWAN MEMBERS do is crucial in building the profile of teams like Kano Pillars, bringing fans to the stadium, and enhancing the overall visibility of the league.
The refusal to allow SWAN MEMBERS entry without purchasing tickets raises a larger question about the attitude toward media professionals, particularly in Kano Pillars matches.
If A COMMISSIONER OF SPORTS ALHAJI MUSTAPHA RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO and his entourage no matter how many they are and or KANO PILLARS CHAIRMAN ALHAJI ALI NA YARA MAI SAMBA KURNA and his followers, OR KANO PILLARS BOARD MEMBERS no matter their number and KANO PILLARS FANS CLUB EXECUTIVES are not required to buy tickets, why should SWAN MEMBERS, who contribute so much to the promotion and visibility of the club, be subjected to such treatment?
The media is a valuable ally in the growth of any sports team, providing free exposure that benefits the club in ways that money alone cannot especially Pillars who enjoyed and continued to enjoys these free media coverage, thanks to more than two dozen radio, many Television and Online Newspapers including GLOBAL TRACKER.
Furthermore, this incident not only highlights a lack of respect for journalists but also poses a threat to the professional relationship between the media and the club.
Journalists are essential in shaping public opinion, and their support should be valued not undermined. If the media is continuously mistreated, there is a real risk of a strained relationship that could impact coverage, fan engagement, and the overall reputation of the team.
While the Secretary General of SWAN in Kano MALAM MUZZAMIL Muzammil Dalhatu Yola rightly pointed out that members must adhere to professional ethics, it is also crucial that the media be afforded the respect and access they need to carry out their duties.
Journalists are making personal sacrifices to ensure the growth and visibility of the team, without asking for anything in return, other than the professional courtesy of being allowed access to cover the games.
As many journalist in the state shows their concerns especially Isma’eel Abba Tangalashi, we will continue to monitor the development closely.
Aminu Kwaru comes in peace.
TO BE CONTINUED….
