By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Ogun State Television (OGTV), has assured that the broadcast outfit will partner with the national leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), in ensuring sports development in the country.
The General Manager, OGTV, Mr.Tunde Kazeem gave the assurance, when he hosted SWAN national leadership, led by its President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin on Friday May 23, 2025.
“We have been having good relationship with SWAN in the State. We will also look at how we can collaborate with national SWAN,” he said.
The GM OGTV, thanked the SWAN NEC for finding it worthy to visit him.
“Your coming here has added more impetus to what we are doing. OGTV was founded in 1981. We are the first station to run commercial broadcast in Nigeria. Currently e are one of the few TV running digital in Nigeria. We also run on terrestrial transmission. Anywhere you are, you can watch us on DSTV, GOTV or online on our social media handles
“I want to say SWAN has been partners in progress. I want to inform you that we have had to former Ogun SWAN Chairmen from Ogun State. We are proud that during their tenure, they were good ambassadors.
” Sports is an integral party of what we do here. We run sports News Daily on English and Yoruba,” he said.
Speaking further, he said, ” We also have sports reel for one hour everyday. I am happy to inform you that some of our sports reporters had opportunities to cover international events.
“We send our reporters to go and cover international sports events as part of exposure. We don’t Wait for government, we find a way to get sponsors and send them to international events,” he said.
Concerning the Gateway Games, he said that the Ogun State Government provided world class sporting facilities for the National Sports Festival (NSF).
“I believe SWAN NEC has gone round, the facilities we have are comparable to others anywhere in the world.
“On our part as a station, we are also giving coverage in all the centres of the games. I am sure that you must have been doing some of your reporting. I appeal that when reporting, ensure it’s balanced. Let’s do away with negative things, no organisation is perfect,” he said.
He therefore, tasked sports writers covering the games, to always be factual and objective in their reports.
” Let’s ensure we balance reports, let’s ask questions when we need to ask questions. The last time was in 2006, 19 years after we are hosting again. I believe you are enjoying your stay. Feel free to visit our tourists sites. Olumo Rock is being renovated for now, but visit others,” he said.
Responding to an observation by SWAN President on how all the management staff of OGTV were elegantly dressed, he said, “As a policy of the government, for the past two years, public servant and civil servants are expected to put on adire on Fridays.
“Abeokuta is the home of adire and we are proud of it. I want to thank you once again for coming,” he said.
He commended Ogun State SWAN for doing fantastically well under the current chairman.
“He was once my student, I taught him at the polytechnic. I am happy he is doing well. They have what we call the SWAN Media Cup, which is a good one, where all media houses in Ogun participate, as well as the SWAN Security Cup. They are doing well, you have very good representation in Ogun State.
“For your sick member, he has will to survive and I believe he will survive it, it is not a death sentence, I pray that very soon it will be over,” he prayed.
Earlier in his remarks, SWAN President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin commended the OGTV for the good work it is doing in promoting sporting activities.
“When we were growing up, we have been listening to OGTV.
“We are grateful for the support you are giving to our members.
“We also thank you for the support you are giving to one of our members, Mrm Akeem you have supported him, we are happy we are not mourning him.
“We are thankful that God has kept him alonei must thank you and all the management for the support to him. We can’t thank you enough GM, but God will bless you. Our members here, we thank you for giving them platform,” he said.
SWAN President commiserated with OGTV over the loss of one of its staff, Bukola.
“We pray God continues to lift you higher,” he prayed.
