Sports
CT AT 62: Sets Agenda For SWAN
Clinton Thompson (CT)
does not need any introduction to most practitioners still circulating in the Mass Media industry in Nigeria, particularly in the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
A thorough-bred journalist and communication professional, Clinton Thompson was General Manager of Bayelsa Radio, Yenagoa, until two years ago when he retired from service. He turns 62 on Wednesday.
CT who spent his most active years in service at the Radio Rivers and Rivers SWAN is knowledgeable in all the genres of journalism but made sport writing which gave him national limelight his forte.
He was founding member of Rivers SWAN, Vice Chairman of National SWAN for two terms. He also created the CAIRA (Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Rivers and Abia) amalgamation of SWAN and was honoured by the government of Col Dauda Musa Komo of Rivers State as the best influence in sports commentary education.
As Rivers SWAN Chairman, Clinton Thompson ensured that sports journalists were regularly trained and updated through seminars, workshops and symposia.
He created a Sports Hall of Fame in Rivers State, the first of its kind in Nigeria and superintended two inductions into the Hall of Fame.
A stalwart at the national SWAN level and a beneficiary of numerous professional travels and education at home and abroad, Clinton Thompson remains till today, an active participant in and resource person to various journalistic bodies.
This has indeed made him a well-known and valuable professional.
In a clime where the challenges of survival-health education, utilities and security had limited life expectancy to an average of 45 years, attaining the age of 62 deserves celebration. The home boy from Amasoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State returned to base to mark the epoch.
Speaking to selected sports journalists in Port Harcourt, Saturday as part of his 62nd birthday, CT reflected on the state of sports writing in Rivers State, his achievements, the near-absence of SWAN-sponsored competitions, the lack of synergy between Rivers SWAN and its patrons and supportive corporate bodies and the death of the SWAN Hall of Fame.
His verdict was a return to the drawing board for SWAN leadership in Rivers State.
Speaking on what he called the falling standard of sports writing CT said:”I read bad grammar in reporting. We don’t know who is a reporter or not. The place of training is not seen anymore”.
To compound matters, he said, many sports writers still dress shabbily to assignments, a trend, which he noted demeans the image of SWAN.
“I was at a sports stakeholders’ conference in Abuja recently and a man who called himself a sportswriter came in, dressed in bathroom slippers and T-Shirt. He was prompt walked out”, CT said.
He challenged sportswriters and media practitioners to take advantage of the satellite campuses of the various tertiary institutions to improve themselves. “While not recommending a dress code, sportswriters should also dress decently”, he said.
According to him, sports reporting is now sophisticated with the number of sports rising from 17 to about 40. “It requires practitioners with requisite knowledge and language to write and inform the sporting audience”, he said.
The veteran sports writer and commentator challenged employers and Rivers SWAN leadership to organize workshops that would equip sportswriters with the technical language to report the various sports.
“Sportswriters must shun what has become known now as Entrepreneurial journalism or cheque book journalism as it is called in some developed countries, practice sports writing as a calling and with interest,” CT admonished. On the Agenda-setting role of sports journalists, the former National Vice Chairman of SWAN said the leadership in Rivers SWAN must put on its thinking cap. “We have no business with politics; we must engage government on matters of the moment. For instance, the National Sports Festival is coming up soon in Calabar.
“What is the plan for Team Rivers, what is the budget, what trials have been lined up for the state’s contingent?”, he queried.
He called on the SWAN leadership to be pro-active in playing its agenda-setting role and not consign SWAN to the role of praise-singers.
Clinton Thompson also identified the absence of synergy between Rivers SWAN and its Patrons and friendly corporate organizations as reasons for the current under-performance of the body in Rivers State. “Where are the Patrons who made things happen during my tenure. Where are Chief O.K Isokariari, Chief Lawrence Ayo, Chief Lawrence Omohuyi Izzi, Mrs Gina Yeseibo, Nze Tony Nwanya, Bob Ihekona and Jimmy Coker among others?”, he queried.
According to Thompson, the patrons and such multinational firms as Shell, Elf, Agip and Chevron among others threw their weight behind his leadership “and that was why I did not go cap in hands begging for money”.
He said that Rivers SWAN is lucky to have the headquarters of all the oil firms in Port Harcourt which is now the hub of the nation’s oil and gas sector. “SWAN should explore available opportunities to fund its various programmes”.
The former Radio Bayelsa General Manager also advised Rivers SWAN leadership to explore the possibility of writing the biography of sports stars in Rivers State as a revenue-generation project.
He recalled that during his tenure at the national SWAN, the leadership published a book “Football : Goals for the Future” to raise money for its activities.
Answering a question, the veteran sports writer and administrator expressed sadness over the death of various programmes he initiated in Rivers SWAN during his tenure.
“Where is the Omosule Cup Competition for media men, where is the SWAN Annual Award, Where is the Welfare Package and the Hall of Fame Project?”
He said it was imperative for the leadership to re-unite SWAN as a family in the state.
CT also spoke of the need for the present and future leaders of SWAN in Rivers State to preserve the history of both the national and Rivers SWAN, honour past leaders and carry them along to protect and project SWAN’s rich and noble tradition.
“How many sportswriters can tell the history of Rivers SWAN and its founding fathers which include Fidelis Iyebote, Victor Inengisa Somiarii, Clinton Thompson and Donald Mike-Jaja?” he queried.
These men should be remembered and honoured for their distinguished contributions to the growth of sports and sports writing in the state and nation, he said.
Now a media consultant, CT at 62 said he is retired but not tired. He expressed gratitude to the patrons and multinational firms, whom he said, gave him wonderful support during his period at the helm of affairs in Rivers SWAN. “Rivers State is a sweet place to live and I do not regret my stay here”, he concluded.
Mr Clinton Thompson
Donald Mike-Jaja
Ekiti State Government has honoured its contingents for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded National Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Games held in Abuja.
The state’s contingents participated in six events, securing first place in Essay Writing, second in Debate, Spelling Bee and Girls’ Basketball, third in Boys’ Basketball, fourth in Digital Literacy and Painting, fifth in Environmental and Entrepreneurial activities.
One of the standout moments of the event was the performance of Eniola Awelewa, who excelled in the painting competition despite his physical disability.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State AGILE Project Coordinator, Yewande Adesua, described Eniola’s artwork, titled “It Takes a Village”, as a raw, honest and profound depiction of community and belonging.
She revealed that her painting attracted national attention and earned special recognition from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who requested that the piece be displayed in her office.
Adesua noted that Eniola’s excellence underscores Ekiti’s commitment to inclusive education, which has earned the state national recognition, emphasizing that “disability is not an inability.”
She also commended Deborah Bello for her exceptional performance in the Essay Writing category, stating that her brilliance and resilience have once again brought honour to the state.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, congratulated the contingents, noting that their resilience and determination has not only brought them personal pride but also elevated the entire state.
Dr. Aderiye, represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Michael Omolayo, affirmed government’s commitment to not only infrastructural development but also intellectual growth and talent promotion.
He encouraged the students to continue to be exemplary ambassadors of Ekiti State and a source of inspiration to their peers.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his investment in modern facilities for special schools, which according to her has empowered students with disabilities to perform beyond expectations.
Agboola, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Education and Social Inclusion in the Governor’s Office, Stephen Abimbola, urged parents of children with disabilities to enrol them in the state’s special facilities, where they can receive proper support and unlock their potential.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a brand-new wheelchair to Eniola Awelewa to aid his mobility (courtesy of Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba) and the formal handing over of the national award to Deborah Bello.
The Umuahia-based side secured their spot in the CAF second tier club competition after finishing third in the 2024/25 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season their highest league placing in history and first opportunity to compete at the continental level.
To make sure they are adequately prepared when the competition kicks off later this year, both players and officials have commenced the first phase of training this week, a top official of the club who wants to remain anonymous said.
CAF is yet to release the preliminary draw, and Abia Warriors’ opponent is still unknown at this time.
Similarly, Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt have equally began preparations for the new season, marking a significant step towards building on their impressive performance in the 2024/2025 football season.
Under the guidance of Technical Manager Finidi George, the team held its first full training session on Monday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium’s main bowl, with about 25 players in attendance.
The technical crew and support staff warmly welcomed the players back, charging them to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.
Finidi George emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “I welcome you back from the offseason break. Now it’s time to get ourselves ready for the task ahead of time. Welcome back.
”Rivers United’s second-place finish in the NPFL season has secured their spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League. As they gear up for the continental competition, the team is focused on fine-tuning their skills and strategies. Although the CAF draw is yet to be released, Rivers United is diligently preparing for their opponents, whoever they may be.
The first phase of training has commenced, involving both players and officials. With the Nigeria Premier Football League schedule set to kick off in August, Rivers United is poised to deliver an outstanding performance in both the CAF Champions League and the domestic league.
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), led by its President Babajide Akeredolu, last Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, as part of preparations for Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming African American football tournaments in Egypt.
The NAFA delegation also held discussions with the NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, during separate meetings held at the NSC office at the National Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking during the engagements, Akeredolu outlined Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the continental event, revealing that three teams would be representing the country: the Male National Team, Female National Team, and the U-13 Team.
He noted that Nigeria would be the only nation apart from the host country fielding multiple teams, a testament to the consistent development efforts invested in the sport since 2019.
Akeredolu emphasised that the country’s expanded representation reflects years of commitment to nurturing American football in Nigeria and showcases the nation’s growing prominence in the African football landscape.
He said, “We are here to inform you about the fact that three teams will be going to Egypt. Male national team, female national team and under-13 which is as a result of the work we have been doing since 2019 in collaboration with Nigeria School Sports Federation. This project has led to over 17,000 kids who have gone through the league initiative over the past five years.”
Akeredolu also assured the NSC management that NAFA is optimistic of victory, adding that the team is eyeing representing Africa in the World Games slated for the United States next year and ultimately clinching a spot at the Olympics.
“We are ready and one of the few countries that have established leagues dotted around. We have leagues in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun. We have built a pipeline for talent.
“We are hoping that we will be the country that will represent Africa in the World game, which is slated for next year in the United States”, he said
Akeredolu explained the significance of the tournament and the Nigerian team’s preparedness for the event in Egypt. He stated: Since flag football became an Olympic sport, there has been a significant effort to establish continental games to improve Africa’s representation on the global stage. The collaboration of our federations has resulted in this notable event.
“All African countries came together to interface with the global body, and now we have our first African tournament”.
The President and his team also unveiled the teams’ jerseys at a separate event, noting to the excitement of the DG and Chairman that they were produced locally. He gave a detailed explanation of the efforts that have been put into place to ensure that the teams emerge victorious.
Akeredolu said, “We came here to unveil our jersey to the DG and tell him that we are fielding three teams for the competition- the main team which has been in camp for two months now, a female team and an U13 team who have been supported by our partners Nigeria American Football Outreach, Browns Nigeria and the NFL respectively.
“We are quite optimistic and we believe that with the support and activities of many leagues in Nigeria, we have a lot of players who can give us a formidable National team
Responding, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the NAFA leadership while wishing the team all the best in Egypt.
The Chairman charged the team to give their best and represent the country well by showcasing their talents in Flag Football.
On his part, the Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, charged the team to make the country proud and return with flying colours.
Hon. Olopade said, “On this trip to Egypt, I wish you guys well, and I am more encouraged that you guys are very confident that our women’s team will win Gold. I am also very fascinated that you are taking U13 to this tournament. It’s in line with the Commission’s renewed hope to also start building for the future.”
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayo Olawande who doubles as the Chairman of the Flag Football Development Board in his goodwill message, urged the NAFA team to bring home the trophy.
He expressed his unshaken confidence in NAFA’s ability to break ground and make an impressive performance at the tournament.
On the NAFA team entourage were; the Vice President, Mr. Seye Obatolu and the coordinator of NAFA Gridiron Gems, Ms Nancy Damhindi.