By Grace Ekujumi, Lagos
The leadership of the Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has announced that accreditation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham is not hinged on possession of SWAN or International Sports Press Association (AIPS) identity cards.
This was revealed by Lagos SWAN Chairman, Debo Oshundun following attempts by some unscrupulous elements to witch hunt perceived enemies interested in covering the quadrennial event.
In a statement signed by the association Secretary, Bunmi Ogunyale said, “The battle to ensure our members are not denied the opportunity to cover the Games was won three weeks ago after the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) granted our prayers”.
According to the agreement reached with the organisers, heads of desks of reputable media houses can and should nominate their reporters and cameramen interested in traveling to Birmingham for on-site reportage.
“Various media organisations should hand their nominee/reporter letters to the NOC. We expect the NOC to expedite actions and retract from her initial insistence on SWAN and AIPS identity cards before accreditation tags are processed”.
Oshundun thanked the entire members of the most vibrant sports writing association in Nigeria for their support and patience even in the face of provocation.
