Abeokuta: Kola Oredipe, the founder of Samkey Athletics Club, has called for the support of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) as he aspires for the South-South zonal position on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). Oredipe, who is also the Director-General to the Bayelsa State Government on New Media, made the call on Saturday while addressing newsmen.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oredipe is running for the position of the South-South zonal representative on the board of AFN and would need the support of SWAN to coast to victory. Oredipe emphasised that the association is his primary constituency, hence the need for their support in propagating his antecedents and gospel across the country and beyond.

He expressed his intention to contest for the position to contribute his experience to the growth of athletics in the region. Oredipe stated, ‘I’m coming into the AFN board with innovation, inclusiveness, and grassroots development plans, as I believe regular competitions in the region will help discover, nurture, and grow young athletes.’

Responding, Benjamin Isaiah, SWAN National President, extended the association’s solidarity to Oredipe while commending him for the bold steps to go into sports politics. Isaiah stressed that the move would serve as inspiration to other journalists across the nation.

Isaiah assured Oredipe of the association’s support to help him win the contest, noting that his presence on the AFN board would benefit the association immensely. He added that Oredipe’s venture into sports politics would serve as an inspiration to other journalists across the country.

The president also noted that the association would ensure representation on the boards of all sports federations to protect its interests, indicating that such representation should not be limited to media officers only.