Nigeria: PIN urges sports journalists to promote peace through sports
By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Peace Initiative Network, PIN has urged sports writers to prioritize the use of sports as the tool for the promotion of peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.
The Kano based not for profit organization, Monday in Kano, said sports has proven to be an undisputed weapon that could be utilized to pursue peace in societies.
The Project Officer,, PIN, Friday Asekomeh in his remark, during the presentation of sports equipments and prizes donated to Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAM Kano chapter , for use at its inter media cup final 2022/2023 , said, PIN is committed towards the pursuit of peace using sports as a vehicle.
According to him, sports writers have a critical role to play, in enhancing and sustaining national peace, using the power of sports, through their print and electronic media sports platforms to extend the message of peace.
He stressed that the power sports is enormous, therefore, it could serve as the most effective weapon to subdue those forces that are mitigating against peace in societies, noting that PIN has demonstrated over time that this is achievable.
The chairman, SWAN Kano chapter, Zahradeen Saleh thanked PIN for the support, he lamented the dwindling state of support to sports activities been received from the corporate sector, Non Governmental Organizations, NGPO, and Community Based Organizations , harping on the need to reverse the trend.
He then averred that PIN led by Femi Shodipo for over one decades has been relentless in giving support to sports communities and maintaining peace using sports as the vehicle.
Saleh said “ without peace there can not be meaningful development, in communities.” Urging journalists to always spread the message that would promote peace across board.
Our correspondent reports that, Dignitaries who witnessed the presentation includes, director Planning, Kano state ministry of youths and Sports, Salisu Babangida, chairman, program manager, PIN Patience Enike, SWAN Inter Media cup LOC, Abubakar Shehu Kwaru, SWAN Kano chapter exco members and representatives of the two finalists Radio Kano and ministry of information.