Daily Independent’s Bureau Chief, Nicholas Uwerunonye, and 30 other journalists were on Tuesday appointed as members as members of over 32 sports associations in the state as part of Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak’s policy on grassroots sports development.

Uwerunonye is to serve under the Kwara State Tennis Association, according to notifications from the state sports authority.

Apart from Daily Independent, News Agency off Nigeria’s Bushrat Badmus, Olayinka Owolewa, Yinka Alaya of Radio Kwara and many other journalists were appointed as members of various sports association platforms.

At the inauguration ceremony at Kwara State Indoor Basketball Court, Ilorin, Coach Bola Mogaji, executive chairman of Kwara Sports Commission, KSC, speaking on behalf of Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak, said that the inauguration of the associations was long overdue.

The list also included top stakeholders with distinguished careers in different but with a common identifiable passion for sports, all charged with the mandate of developing sports in the state.

Speaking briefly at the ceremony, Coach Magaji said that the move that brought in journalists underscores the state government’s understanding of the nexus between sports and the media.

According to him, the media determines which sports and events receive the most attention, shapes public perception of sports and athletes, promotes sports events and sponsorships, and sets the tone of sports coverage.

“We also had in mind the commitment of Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak to sports development,” KSC boss said on behalf of the governor

Speaking further, the chairman said that the Commission will partner with all associations for the progress of Sports in the State.

“Members will be duly consulted where necessary in making critical decisions about all the Association.

“It is this administration’s conviction that the salvation of our lost glory in Sports depends on the transformation that each association members inject into your respective Associations.

“Were looking forward for positive transformations in all sports associations in Kwara State,” he said.

Speaking also at the event, Alh Ibrahim Bako, Director of Sports at the KSC, said government cannot continue to support sports alone.

“That is why the government thought it wise to bring in the private sector into sports administration and development in the state,” Bako said.

Speaking on the appointment of journalists into various sports associations, Ayodeji Ismail, chairman of, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, said that Coach Magaji has demonstrated an understanding of the synergy between sports and the media.

“As a sport reporting body, we are ready to give support to sports development in Kwara. What Coach Magaji has done is quite unprecedented and we are deeply appreciative,” Ismail said.