SWAN members set for NOC seminar in Abuja

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has mobilised 40 of its members to participate in a seminar organised by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Women Commission to advance gender equality in sports media.

SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, adding that the association’s President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, had welcomed the initiative and called for stronger, sustained engagement between sports institutions and SWAN leadership at the national and state levels. Blueprint reports

The seminar, scheduled for October 26 and 27 in Abuja, will focus on the role of the media in promoting gender equality, improving the visibility of female athletes and advancing women’s participation in sports.

Benjamin, who is expected to serve as a resource person at the event, urged sports institutions, federations, commissions and other stakeholders to move beyond occasional invitations and establish structured partnerships with SWAN.

According to him, sustained collaboration with the association would strengthen communication, broaden participation and improve sports coverage across the country.

SWAN’s nationwide presence, he noted, provides an important platform for reporting developments in sports, holding administrators accountable and amplifying the achievements of athletes across different disciplines.

Seminar to focus on gender equality in sports media

The two-day programme is designed to equip sports journalists with the knowledge and skills to challenge gender stereotypes, improve the representation of women and girls in sports reporting, and ensure that female athletes and sports administrators receive appropriate media attention.

The NOC Women Commission recognises the influence of the media in shaping public perceptions, determining the visibility of sporting activities and contributing to the growth of women’s sports.

Through responsible and inclusive reporting, journalists can help draw attention to the achievements of female athletes, highlight the challenges they face and encourage greater participation by women and girls in sporting activities.

The seminar is therefore expected to provide a platform for discussions on how sports journalists can contribute to a more equitable media environment while promoting the development of women’s sports in Nigeria.

NOC Women Commission’s mandate

The NOC Women Commission is a statutory commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee established in line with the International Olympic Committee’s mandate to promote gender equality and inclusion in sports.

Its work includes encouraging increased participation, retention and leadership opportunities for women and girls as athletes, coaches, technical officials and sports administrators.

The commission also promotes safe-sport practices and gender-sensitive policies aimed at creating an environment where women and girls can participate and progress in sports without discrimination or other barriers.

Its capacity-building activities have previously included programmes for female coaches, sports administrators and technical officials across Nigeria.

Media coverage and visibility of female athletes

The October seminar places particular emphasis on sports journalists because of their role in deciding which sporting events, athletes and issues receive public attention.

Gender-sensitive reporting can help address the underrepresentation of female athletes in sports coverage and ensure that their performances and contributions are recognised alongside those of their male counterparts.

Beyond reporting competition results, journalists can also examine the policies, facilities, funding and institutional support available to women and girls in sports.

The programme is expected to encourage participants to adopt reporting practices that promote fairness, challenge stereotypes and provide more balanced coverage of sporting activities.

SWAN reiterates commitment to capacity building

SWAN’s mobilisation of 40 members underscores its commitment to professional development and collaboration with institutions working to improve sports administration and participation in Nigeria.

The association has consistently emphasised the importance of equipping sports journalists with the skills needed to report effectively on the sector and contribute to its growth.

The NOC Women Commission formally notified SWAN about the seminar and sought the association’s support in mobilising participants and publicising the programme.

The association said stronger cooperation between sports institutions and sports journalists would help improve the quality and reach of sports reporting while promoting greater inclusion across the sector.

The seminar is expected to bring together sports journalists and other relevant stakeholders to examine practical ways the media can support gender equality and the development of women’s sports in Nigeria.