By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Assistant Northern Bureau Chief of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, Bauchi, Ishola Michael has emerged the Best Sports Writer for the year 2024.
The award was presented to him on Saturday during the closing ceremony and award presentation of the 2024 Bauchi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Sports Week held at the Mohammed Abdullahi Conference Hall of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to the SWAN, the award was presented to Ishola Michael considering his contributions to Sports Journalism in the year 2024 coupled with his active participation in all activities of the Association.
He was also described as an “Example and encouragement to upcoming Sports Writers in the State. He has demonstrated sense of commitment to uplifting Sports Writing beyond expectations.”
While presenting the award, the Special Adviser (SA) Media and Publicity to the Bauchi State Governor, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado described the award as well deserved considering his contributions to journalism generally in Bauchi state.
He urged the recipient to strive to do more in his chosen profession by remaining focused and dedicated to the journalism so that upcoming Jou will learn from people like him.
A Veteran Journalist in the State, Inuwa Mohammed Bello also described the award as well deserved considering the contributions of the awardee to the art of Sports Writing and Reporting in Bauchi.
He urged him not to relent and not too allow the recognition get too much into his head but, “He should be spurred to do more for the profession in order to get more recognition and awards.”
All others who spoke described the award as well deserved and appropriate considering the immense c and contributions of the awardee to Sports writing in particular and journalism in general in Bauchi state.
In his his remarks, SWAN Chairman, Bala Bawaji Konkyel said that the SWAN WEEK with the aim of bringing together Sports Journalists within and outside the State to interact, rub minds and unite for Sports development.
According to him, “The interesting thing about this event, not only SWAN members are allowed to participate in the sporting activities line – up within the week, but all other staff in the media industry can show ease their talents and grab a medal.”
Bala Bawaji added that,”In this year’s event, about 100 athletes from 7 media organizations including Bauchi State Ministry of Information competed in 3 Sporting events namely, Football, Table Tennis and Athletics 100m (Male and Female).”
He added that, “Today, victors have emerged in all the three events and we are going to reward them accordingly in this venue. I urge media heads to please do the same to their staff who excelled in one or two events this year. This will certainly encourage others to put more efforts in the subsequent events.”
“Let me use this opportunity to extend our deepens gratitude to Bauchi State Government, through the Office of the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity for supporting the Association to host its annual Week. Our appreciation also goes to the entire Media Chiefs in the State, Bauchi State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Bauchi State Sports Council, Wikki Tourists Football Club and other partners for including members of the Association in their various programs,” he added.
The SWAN Chairman concluded saying,
“Lastly, I will like to congratulate winners of different Sporting Events this year and urged other participants to keep trying hard ahead of the upcoming events.”
