By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Chairman, Niger Tornadoes football club of Minna, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso has solicited for closer working synergy with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), as one of the key stakeholders championing the growth and development of sports in Niger state.
Abubakar made the plea when he received the state executive of SWAN, led by Mohammed Alhassan Kutigi when they paid him courtesy visit at the Ministry of Sports, Minna.
While urging members to put behind them whatever may have caused strained relationship between SWAN and Niger Tornadoes football club's management of Minna behind them, Kuso said he will personally ensure that sports journalists have unhindered access into the Bako Kontagora stadium during home matches.
The Chairman who promised that henceforth every away match will have atleast a member of the state SWAN as part of the the team apologized for embarrassment members face during during home matches.
Abdullahi Kuso assured sports journalists of renewed working synergy between SWAN and the management of Niger Tornadoes, as he promised to do his best in supporting the activities of SWAN in the state.
On the plea for support of its activities and programmes, Kuso said, “As a club side, we will support and partner with SWAN as key stakeholder to share our problems and gains as well whether we win or lose just as it is being done in the past.”
The difficulties and embarrassment members face to gain access into the Stadium during home matches is regrettable and will not be allowed to repeat itself, he said, adding that, "We are no longer ceding our tickets to firms because they cause problems for us”.
The SWAN members had earlier complained of constant harassment and denials of access into the stadium by suspected agents whenever Niger Tornadoes is playing home matches.
Members took turns to explain unpleasant experiences in the hand of stadium officials and gate keepers who even go to the extent of rejecting SWAN Identification Cards as means of identifying sports journalists called for urgent intervention of the chairman. NNL.
