In a letter jointly signed by its leadership, SWAN praised Enakhena’s role in guiding the club from the Nigeria National League to the NPFL, describing the achievement as a reflection of “visionary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment” to the growth of football in Nigeria.

The association noted that the club’s rise to the elite division underscores the discipline, resilience, and collective effort of the management, coaching crew, and players under Enakhena’s stewardship. It added that the feat should serve as a springboard for further success in the country’s top division.

SWAN also commended the Sporting Lagos chairman for promoting professionalism and contributing to raising standards within Nigerian club football, expressing confidence that the club would make a positive impact in the NPFL.

In the message, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin, along with the wider sporting media community, wished Enakhena continued wisdom, strength, and success as Sporting Lagos prepares for life in the top flight.

The letter was signed by SWAN General Secretary Ikenna Okonkwo.

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The annual publication, the first of its kind in the country, captures insights from key stakeholders across the sports ecosystem, offering a structured assessment of the past year alongside projections for the year ahead.

A Growing Global Industry with Local Potential

The release of the report comes against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding global sports economy. According to the World Economic Forum, the sector is currently valued at $2.3 trillion, contributing nearly 2 per cent of global GDP, with projections indicating growth of more than 50 per cent over the next decade.

For Nigeria, the stakes are even higher. With over 70 per cent of its population under the age of 35, sports is increasingly seen as a powerful economic and social driver, capable of generating employment, investment, and innovation.

A ‘Defining Document’ for Stakeholders

Co-curator Tonte Davies described the 2026 edition as a pivotal resource for the sector.

“The Nigeria Sports Industry Outlook Report is a defining document for the sports sector. It provides a clear lens into the future of sports in Nigeria, highlighting investment opportunities, addressing structural challenges, and reinforcing the urgent need to position sports as a sustainable business,” he said.

Davies added that the report, which has already generated significant interest among stakeholders, is accessible via the official LinkedIn pages of the three co-producers.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Another co-curator, Adedamilola Adedotun, emphasised the need to close the information gap within the Nigerian sports industry.

“We are very bullish about the potential of sports in Nigeria. But while we recognise its possible social and economic contribution, we also acknowledge the knowledge gap within the industry. This Outlook provides critical information about various sectors, stakeholders, and their projections for the future,” he noted.

Five Pillars of Industry Growth

The report is structured around five key pillars considered essential to the long-term development of the sports industry:

• Governance, Policy and Regulations
• Sporting Events
• Partnerships and Investments
• Licensing, Intellectual Property and Merchandising
• Sports Infrastructure

According to co-curator Telema Davies, these pillars reflect global best practices.

“Governance and policy provide direction, partnerships and investments fund development, events drive product visibility, infrastructure forms the foundation, and licensing and intellectual property protect commercial value,” she explained.

A Strategic Tool for Decision-Makers

The Nigeria Sports Industry Outlook 2026 is positioned as a strategic intelligence and reference document for investors, policymakers, and business leaders seeking to identify opportunities across the sports value chain.

Beyond analysis, the report serves as a call to action, urging stakeholders to harness Nigeria’s demographic advantage and align sports with broader economic development goals.

As the country continues to explore new growth sectors, the report underscores a clear message: sports is no longer just entertainment; it is serious business.

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A former National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Fan Ndubuoke, has raised concerns over declining ethical standards in Nigerian sports journalism, warning that the profession risks losing its credibility if urgent reforms are not undertaken.

Ndubuoke, who spoke at a workshop organised by Imo SWAN, delivered a thought-provoking paper titled “The Burden of Finding a Balance Between Patriotism and Professionalism: The Ethical Questions.” In it, he highlighted the growing tension sports journalists face between national loyalty and professional integrity.

He noted that while patriotism, professionalism, and ethics are fundamental pillars of journalism, their application in Nigeria’s media environment has become increasingly complex due to political pressures, economic hardship, and institutional decay.

“The sportswriter is expected to state facts without fear or favour, yet in doing so, he may be labelled unpatriotic or even face intimidation,” Ndubuoke said, describing the profession as one fraught with difficult choices about loyalty—to the truth, the state, or media proprietors.

The former board member of the Nigeria Football Association lamented what he described as the “erosion of values” within the sporting press, attributing it largely to corruption and the growing influence of political patronage. According to him, many practitioners have abandoned professional excellence in pursuit of financial benefits and political connections.

This shift, he warned, has led to a loss of investigative journalism, weakened critical analysis, and a decline in creativity and independence within the profession.

Ndubuoke also took a swipe at the broader sports administration system in Nigeria, describing it as lacking legal structure and accountability. He likened the system to a “Ponzi scheme,” where resources are concentrated in the hands of a few administrators while athletes and grassroots development suffer neglect.

He further accused sections of the sporting press of enabling this dysfunction by celebrating administrators, ignoring institutional irregularities, and, in some cases, benefiting from unethical practices such as inducements and unofficial allowances.

“The question we must ask is: who is holding these institutions accountable?” he queried, calling for greater scrutiny of sports governance and financial transparency.

On the ethical responsibilities of journalists, Ndubuoke emphasised the need for truth, accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and accountability. He decried a culture where “imaginary superstars” are created, unmerited praise is given, and reportage is compromised by financial interests tied to administrators, agents, and coaches.

He linked these ethical lapses to wider challenges in Nigerian sports, including questionable player selections, neglect of home-based talents, and persistent crises within sports federations.

Addressing the delicate balance between patriotism and professionalism, Ndubuoke cautioned against blind loyalty, stressing that true patriotism lies in speaking the truth for national development.

“A journalist who suppresses the truth in the name of patriotism is neither patriotic nor professional,” he stated.

He urged SWAN to return to its founding principles, including promoting professionalism, defending members’ welfare, and contributing meaningfully to sports development, rather than serving as an extension of government or administrative interests.

Ndubuoke concluded by calling on sports journalists to remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards, insisting that only through integrity and professionalism can the association reclaim its role as a credible voice in Nigerian sports.

The workshop served as a platform for reflection on the future of sports journalism in Nigeria, with participants challenged to restore public trust and reposition the profession as a driver of accountability and development.

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Popoola, a former international hockey player, remarked on Thursday night after receiving a briefing on preparations for this year’s ceremony scheduled for March 28 at the Lagos Country Club.

Speaking during the briefing, Popoola praised the organisers for keeping the awards running successfully over the years.

“I must commend you guys for doing a great job. I can’t believe this is already the sixth edition. I am glad about the sustenance of this laudable initiative,” he said.

He noted that consistency remains a major challenge for many initiatives in Nigeria, adding that the Sportsville Awards have distinguished themselves by staying true to their vision.

“One thing I have seen and observed in Nigeria is that only a few organisations like yours are consistent when it comes to pursuing their vision. I am excited that Sportsville is making all the difference because it is consistency that builds big brands globally,” Popoola added.

In his response, the Chief Executive Officer of Sportsville, Frank Ilaboya, thanked the NOC secretary general for recognising what he described as the organisation’s modest contribution to the nation’s sports ecosystem.

Ilaboya, a former chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State chapter, said the organisers remain committed to building a credible platform that celebrates excellence in Nigerian sports.

“We are here for the long haul. The vision is clear—to build a brand that is not only credible but one that will stand the test of time. I am very positive that the Sportsville Special Recognition Award will achieve this status in a few years to come,” he said.

The sixth edition of the awards ceremony will be chaired by the Chairman of Brila Media Group, Larry Izamoje, one of Nigeria’s foremost sports media entrepreneurs.

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According to a statement signed by Harry Iwuala, Chairman of the 2026 Award Committee, the ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 28, at the prestigious Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.

Iwuala, who also serves as Media Director of the Nigeria Premier Football League, described the announcement as the culmination of months of meticulous planning and a painstaking selection process.

“We’re delighted to announce a date for this year’s ceremony following a painstaking planning and selection process. It has been months of planning and preparations, and I am glad that we have finally picked a date for the ceremony,” Iwuala said.

He assured stakeholders that the list of honourees — to be unveiled in the coming weeks — would reflect the award’s core values of integrity and credibility.

“We will be unveiling the personalities and corporate organisations to be celebrated very soon, but I can assure you that they are men and women who have done a good job in sports development in the country.

“Our selection process was thorough to keep faith with the Award motto, which is credibility,” added Iwuala, who has also headed the Media Committee of the successful Niger Delta Games in successive editions.

Sixth Edition Promises Innovation

Speaking on behalf of Sportsville Communication Ltd, the organisers of the award, Chief Executive Officer Frank Ilaboya, said preparations are already in top gear for what promises to be an innovative sixth edition.

“This year will be our sixth edition, and I am happy with the impact and progress the award has made in the country,” Ilaboya stated.

He emphasised that credibility remains the cornerstone of the awards.

“One thing that gives me joy is the credibility of the award we give out every year. We ensure that those truly deserving get the award. And we are determined to keep doing this year after year.”

According to Ilaboya, awards will be presented in seven categories this year:

• Sports Icon
• Sports Personality
• Sports Transformative Category
• Special Recognition Category
• Achievers Category
• Innovative Category
• Sports Facilities Category

He added that the long-term ambition is to elevate the Sportsville Special Recognition Award into Africa’s most glamorous and respected sports honours platform.

“We will keep on working hard year in and year out until we achieve our target of making the Sportsville Special Recognition Award the best and most glamorous not only in Nigeria but in Africa.

“The past five years have proven to be exciting, and the level of plaudits from the awardees and non-awardees alike shows that we are on the right course,” Ilaboya said.

Celebrating Two Decades of Sports Broadcasting

The Sportsville Special Recognition Award was initiated five years ago as part of activities marking 20 years of continuous broadcast of Sportsville as an independent producer of sports programming in Nigeria.

Today, Sportsville stands as one of the longest-running independent sports shows on air in sub-Saharan Africa — a testament to resilience, consistency, and commitment to sports development.

With the March 28 date now confirmed, anticipation is building within Nigeria’s sporting community as administrators, athletes, corporate sponsors and media personalities look forward to another evening of celebration at Lagos Country Club.

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The workshop, scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, will take place at the NUJ Auditorium, Information Drive, Uyo, beginning at 10 a.m.

Organisers say the training is designed to strengthen investigative reporting skills among journalists, enhance ethical standards, and deepen the culture of accountability journalism in Nigeria.

The keynote lecture will be delivered by Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Abuja. Aiyetan, a respected investigative journalist and media development expert, is expected to share insights on contemporary investigative techniques, data-driven reporting, and navigating legal and safety challenges in the field.

Supporting the keynote address will be Ibanga Isine, an investigative reporting veteran based in Uyo. Isine will provide practical perspectives drawn from years of field experience, focusing on story development, sourcing, and sustaining impactful investigations at the local level.

Chairman of the Committee for the Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism, Nsikak Essien, FNGE, described the workshop as part of ongoing efforts to promote excellence and integrity in journalism. He noted that investigative reporting remains a critical pillar of democratic governance and public accountability.

Also lending his voice to the initiative, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ, Nsibiet John, urged journalists in the state to take advantage of the opportunity to sharpen their skills and reinforce professional standards.

The Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism was instituted to encourage rigorous, fact-based reporting and to honour outstanding contributions to investigative journalism in Nigeria.

Participants are expected to engage in interactive sessions, discussions, and practical exchanges to equip them with tools to uncover hidden truths and report with courage and responsibility.

The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing a new generation of investigative journalists capable of holding institutions accountable and advancing public interest reporting in the country.

The event, hosted by sports entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of HotSports Limited, Taye Ige, drew members of Nigeria’s foremost sports online platform, as well as friends, family and colleagues of the former Super Eagles Media Officer.

Transparent Electoral Process

Chairman of the FUBS Personality of the Year Electoral Committee, Kweku Tandoh, explained the transparent voting process that produced Ibitoye as the winner.

According to him, FUBS has over 300 members worldwide, including three former sports ministers, three Directors General of the sports ministry, presidents of sporting federations, sports editors, managers and other high-level stakeholders in the sports sector.

“It was a very close contest, and Toyin ticked all the criteria listed for a member to emerge as the FUBS Personality of the Year,” Tandoh said, while also commending former Nigeria Football Federation vice-president Seyi Akinwunmi and his team for establishing the electoral framework that guided the process.

Host’s Tribute

In his remarks, Ige said he agreed to host the ceremony at short notice because of the personalities involved, particularly the Chief Administrator of FUBS, Godwin Enakhena, and Ibitoye.

“I can’t say no to Godwin; we have come a very long way together. As for Toyin, I am older, but he is somebody that I can stand up and offer my seat to,” Ige said.

Earlier, Enakhena thanked FUBS members for their support and urged journalists to approach their work with fairness and diligence. He advised media practitioners to assess administrators individually rather than broadly branding all Nigerian sports administrators as corrupt.

Ibitoye’s Reaction

Ibitoye, who attended the ceremony alongside his wife, Tola, expressed surprise at emerging as the winner, especially given the calibre of fellow nominees — one of whom he had personally nominated.

The former aide to the sports minister used the occasion to advocate for open-minded engagement within the sports community.

“The man you are planning to deal with because he has an opposing view on a minor issue may turn out to be your main supporter in a much bigger issue tomorrow,” he said, while thanking God and stakeholders who contributed to his professional journey.

Special Recognition and Rewards

Special appreciation was extended to notable sports stakeholders, including Harry Iwuala, Pius Ayinor, Waidi Akanni, Charles Anazodo, Onye Nwachukwu and Ntiense Williams for their continued support of the initiative.

Beyond the commemorative plaque, Ibitoye received a ₦250,000 cash prize and a return flight ticket to Abuja courtesy of Value Jet Airlines.

He becomes the seventh recipient of the prestigious award. Previous winners include the late Dapo Sotuminu (2018), Shehu Dikko (2019), Abba Yola (2020), Chris Emeruwa (2021), Daniel Igali (2022) and Liameed Gafar (2023). The award was rested in 2024 in honour of Sotuminu, who passed away just as the election process began.

With his emergence in 2025, Ibitoye joins an esteemed list of sports personalities recognised for their impact and service within Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.

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The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the Commission’s communication architecture, enhance public engagement, and ensure effective dissemination of information regarding the FCC’s mandate, policies and activities.

In his new role, Ahmadu will provide media and communications support to the Executive Chairman and the Commission.

His responsibilities include coordinating press relations, overseeing digital communication platforms, managing media coverage of official engagements, developing strategic communication initiatives, and ensuring accurate and timely engagement with stakeholders and the general public.

Ahmadu brings nearly two decades of experience in journalism, public relations and strategic communications across national and international platforms.

He is a former African correspondent of Goal.com and currently serves as Editor of SavidNews Newspaper and the Nigeria Football Newspaper, where he has overseen editorial operations and coverage of major sporting and public interest events.

He also serves as Media Director of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and was previously a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Women’s Football Development Committee. Since 2019, Ahmadu has worked as a media consultant to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), contributing to media strategy and tournament communications at the continental level.

In addition, he currently serves as Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory Chapter.

Reacting to his appointment, Ahmadu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me,” he said. “I am committed to deploying my professional experience to support effective, transparent and proactive communication that will strengthen public trust and promote the mandate of the Federal Character Commission.”

The FCC plays a key role in promoting equity and fairness in public service appointments and resource distribution across Nigeria’s diverse regions, and the new appointment is expected to reinforce its public communication strategy.

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The unveiling of the station represents a major milestone in the company’s vision to advance sports development, storytelling and analysis through innovative and accessible media platforms.

Sportivation Radio is set to offer a rich blend of live commentary, in-depth analysis, documentaries, special features on sports personalities, game-day coverage, community-driven programmes and grassroots sports content. The station will also host discussions spanning local and international sports scenes, complemented by daily entertainment programming.

Chief Executive Officer of Sportivation Media, Taiwo Ibrahim, described the launch as a bold step towards reshaping sports broadcasting in Nigeria in the digital era.

“Sportivation Radio was founded out of a deep passion for sports and a clear gap we identified in how sports stories are told and consumed,” Ibrahim said. “Too often, sports coverage focuses only on results and headlines, while the people, struggles, growth and impact behind the games are overlooked. We created Sportivation Radio to change that narrative.”

According to him, the station’s core objective is to build a credible and inclusive platform that amplifies diverse voices within the sports ecosystem.

“We aim to give voice to athletes, fans, coaches, administrators, media practitioners and young talents across all levels of sports. We want to deliver accurate news, thoughtful analysis and meaningful conversations that truly reflect the spirit of sports and its role in society,” he added.

Ibrahim noted that Sportivation Radio will run a mix of sports and entertainment programmes carefully tailored to meet the expectations of its growing audience, while also placing strong emphasis on audience engagement.

Backed by a team of experienced broadcasters, analysts and emerging media talents, the station plans to combine traditional radio values with digital-first strategies in order to reach a wider and younger demographic.

He further disclosed that a key pillar of the station’s mission is the nurturing of young media professionals, with Sportivation Radio providing opportunities for emerging talents to develop careers in sportscasting and sports media production.

Sportivation Radio can be accessed via Sportivationng.com, the station’s social media platforms, including Sportivation Radio on Facebook, and radio streaming applications such as Radio World and Naija Radio Portal.

Sportivation Media is a sports-focused media company committed to delivering high-quality sports content, promoting talent development and driving meaningful conversations within the sports industry through radio, digital platforms and strategic media initiatives.

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Speaking at the public presentation of sports journalist Mumini Alao’s autobiography at the University of Lagos, Fashola said Nigeria’s policymakers have “ignored a solution hiding in plain sight” by failing to fully develop sports as a business.

“Sports is a profession that employs mainly young people from their teenage years to around 40.

“When I reflect on the Nigerian problem of youth employment, I tell myself that it persists perhaps because we have been ignoring the solution,” he stated.

Fashola cited global examples of sports as a major economic driver, including the English Premier League’s £3.36 billion GDP contribution to the UK economy in 2015, and Saudi Arabia’s recent sports investments that have added 1% to its GDP.

He recommended integrating sports into national development plans, revamping school curricula to nurture talent from an early age, developing modern sports infrastructure, and ensuring safety, security, and good governance in sports administration.

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