The need to use the media space to attract sponsors for the development of football in Ekiti State was the fulcrum of the roundtable talk between the egg-heads of the Ekiti State Football Association and State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
In a parley held on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, Bayo Olanlege, the Ekiti FA boss while affirming that his board will improve on the existing relationship it has with SWAN, did charge men and women of the fourth estate of the realm to disregard competitions that are not endorsed by the football body in the quest to promote association over street football in the new dispensation of bringing positive changes to the Ekiti State Football Ecosystem.
In his opening address, the passionate administrator had identified Ekiti SWAN as key stakeholders in effecting improvements on the running of football in the State in a way that can rub off gains on other components of the game and sectors of the state, which can also be emulated by other states.
To back this claim, he cited the Bet9ja Leagues holding in several states, an idea which was visibly promoted by Ekiti State FA.
Hence, he solicited the support of Ekiti SWAN to achieve the lofty goal of developing youths in Ekiti by enhanced football administration, through the sustained promotion of Ekiti FA activities, projects, products and spotlighting grey areas for corrections, this, he said will ensure proper visibility that will attract more sponsors to football.
Reacting to this, Chairman, Ekiti State SWAN, Alhaji Qozeem Oladapo promised a more professional dealing in their approach as supporters of progressive strides in sports, urging the FA for inclusivity in media relations for a better union.
Other comments from former chairmen of SWAN in Ekiti State, Mr Bayo Babalola and Ayodeji Ogunsakin, corroborated the importance of a cordial relationship and promotion of local content.
Present at the parley includes board member of the EKSFA, Mr Adegboyega Afolabi together with a large contingent of Ekiti SWAN members.
