President of Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona, has called on Nigeria to embrace a healthy democratic practice for the progress of the country.
While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of the June 12, the Association stated that the day is to commemorate the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of the Association, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona and the Secretary General, Comrade Mike Oboh on Friday stated: “we must all ensure, as patriotic citizens to deepen our democracy.
The SWAN President enjoined Nigerians to embrace a united Nigeria that is devoid of sentiments and violence, stating that, having come this far, Nigerians have no reason to doubt the nation’s ability to attain its great potential.
According to the statement: ” as Sports Writers; an affiliate of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, we felicitate with fellow Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, the second time it is being celebrated on June 12.”
Aigbona who called for fervent prayers for the country to overcome its challenges, also called on Nigerians not to allow religion to divide the country but to stand up for the promotion and dignity of humanity as well as mutual respect for one another’s faith.
In the statement, the President applauded the members of NUJ and his members across the country for their contributions towards nation’s building.
Part of the statement reads ” We must not forget that Democracy Day is a celebration of freedom, and as an Association, we must salute the resilience and determination of the Pen Practitioners for leaving up to their constitutional responsibility as the fourth estate of the realms.
“It also becomes important to commend the Sports Minister, Sports Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Sports, NFF, Club Owners, Local Sports Administrators, Federation’s Presidents and other key players in the industry across the country for their contributions towards Sports development in Nigeria.”
Aigbona also applauded President Muhammadu Buhari and other past governments of Goodluck Ebele Johnathan, Late Umar Musa Yar’adua, Chief Olusengun Obasanjo; past and present state governors for their support to Sports development in Nigeria since the return of Democracy in 1999.
The SWAN President called on both the Federal, State and Local Governments to consider Sports as veritable tools for uniting the country. ” Governments must invest more into sports in their various capacities and make it a source of employment for the youths and Sports should also be considered as an avenue for revenue generation for the development of the country”, Ahmed Aigbona concluded.