Sports
SWAN Lauds NASS’ Decision To Probe Disqualification of 11 Athletes In Tokyo
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN FCT Chapter has hailed the directive by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to the House Committee on Sports to beam its searchlight on the disgraceful disqualification of11 Nigerian athletes at the just concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The House on Wednesday, September 22nd looked into the disqualification of Blessing Okagbare and 10 other Nigerian athletes over different doping violations, asking the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, to come and explain why Nigeria was outrightly disgraced before the world.
In a Press statement issued on Thursday by SWAN FCT Secretary Chris Onokpegu in Abuja, Reacting to the development in Abuja, chairman of the SWAN FCT chapter, Bunmi Haruna, hailed the leadership of the House for taking the initiative to ask questions and proffer suggestions on how to prevent reoccurrence of such shameful events in the future games.
He said, “We are happy that the leadership of the House have finally listened to the cries of Nigerians to probe the shameful acts that also saw the disqualified athletes protest on the streets of Tokyo. The events that happened in Tokyo is shameful and should not be allowed to be swept under the carpet like nothing happened.
“Everywhere we went, people kept asking why 10 Nigerian athletes got disqualified at the Olympics and the persons that are supposed to provide the answers have been walking the streets freely as if nothing happened,” he noted.
The SWAN chairman further stated, “We hope this will not be just another enquiry. We hope the House will get to the root of the events that happened before and during the Olympics to forestall future occurrences and waste of tax payers money.”
It will be recalled that on Wednesday at the plenary, Mr Babatunde Ayeni, representing Ijesha South Federal Constituency, while moving a motion, lamented the incident of July 20, 2021, where the Athletics Integrity Unit of the International Association of Athletics Federations barred 10 Nigerian athletes and highly-rated Blessing Okagbare, from the Tokyo Olympics for failing to meet requirements for out-of-competition drug testing and use of banned substances respectively.
“The House is concerned that despite the huge funds being made available yearly for the regulatory agencies in the sports sector, adequate efforts have not been made to get Nigeria into the category where they would be deemed to have made significant improvements in anti-doping tests.”Ayeni said.
The Speaker House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila has since mandated the Committee on Sports to investigate the immediate and remote cause of the failed doping test to forestall future occurrence.
It will also be recalled that the Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare promised to probe the show of shame at the Tokyo Olympics but has yet to inaugurate the committee.
Sports
Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports
Cyril Ogar
Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.
Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.
“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.
A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.
Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.
Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.
“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”
He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.
> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.
The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.
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