The National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Isaiah Benjamin, has pledged to intervene in the mobility challenges confronting the association’s Bayelsa chapter.
Benjamin made the pledge on Monday during his visit to the Bayelsa SWAN chapter, where he noted that the lack of a functional vehicle had made members’ activities more difficult.
He said he would engage the state Commissioner for Sports and other stakeholders to explore ways of providing a vehicle for the association.
“One thing I asked was where is the SWAN bus or SWAN vehicle? And I discovered you guys don’t have one at the moment.
“I will try my best to talk to Daniel Igali. He is, from the best that I know him, a good man, so he can help too,” he said.
Benjamin acknowledged the difficulties faced by sports journalists at both the state and national levels, particularly when members are required to travel for major sporting events.
He said SWAN’s national leadership had also faced financial challenges in facilitating international assignments for its members.
Benjamin cited the association’s recent trip to the United Kingdom for the Commonwealth Games, where only two media slots were initially allocated to SWAN.
“We were given only two slots, just two slots. Specifically, the same as the President and one other.
“I had media accreditation for the Commonwealth Games, and it took me a whole lot of effort to get the secretary to join,” he said.
He explained that the short notice for the trip created additional financial pressure, as members had to process their UK visas within a week through the priority service.
The SWAN president said he and another official personally paid about N1.5 million each for the visa processing.
Benjamin also said he had been cautious about spending the association’s funds, stressing that SWAN money should only be used for its intended purposes.
“One good thing I don’t know how to do is spend too much of SWAN’s money. I don’t know. I told people who care to listen that I spend SWAN money on what it is meant for.”
He disclosed that he inherited less than N2 million when he assumed office but said the financial position of the association had improved under his leadership.
Benjamin said he was hopeful that discussions with relevant authorities in Bayelsa would produce practical solutions to the challenges confronting the state chapter.
He added that although meeting the state governor might be difficult at the moment, he was optimistic about having a fruitful discussion with the Commissioner for Sports.
“I am trusting God that I should be able to have a conversation with the commissioner.
“Obviously, it will be difficult to see the Governor at this stage, but I will have a fruitful conversation with the commissioner,” he stated.
