The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has mobilised 40 of its members for the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Women Commission seminar on gender equality in sports media, while calling for stronger and more structured engagement between sports institutions and the Association.

The two-day seminar, scheduled for October 26–27, 2026, in Abuja, will bring together sports journalists to examine how the media can promote gender inclusion, increase the visibility of women in sports and encourage balanced, gender-sensitive reporting.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, welcomed the initiative and commended the NOC Women Commission for extending its capacity-building efforts to sports journalists.

However, Benjamin, in a statement issued through the Association’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, urged sports institutions and administrators to strengthen their collaboration with SWAN at both national and state levels.

The SWAN President, who will serve as a resource person at the seminar, stressed that sports journalists are critical stakeholders in the development of Nigerian sports and deserve to be actively involved in discussions, programmes and policy initiatives shaping the industry.

He called on sports federations, commissions and other relevant organisations to move beyond occasional invitations and establish structured partnerships with SWAN leadership.

According to him, such collaboration would improve communication, broaden participation, strengthen media coverage and foster better working relationships between sports administrators and journalists.

Benjamin also emphasised the importance of recognising SWAN’s nationwide reach, noting that its members play vital roles in reporting sports development initiatives, holding administrators accountable and promoting the achievements of Nigerian athletes.

He maintained that engaging the Association through its established leadership structures would enable sports organisations to communicate more effectively with journalists across the country and achieve wider publicity for their programmes.

The mobilisation of 40 SWAN members for the NOC Women Commission seminar further demonstrates the Association’s commitment to professional development, gender equality and improved reporting of women’s sports.

Organised by the NOC Women Commission, the seminar focuses on the media’s role in advancing gender equality and creating greater opportunities for women and girls across the sporting landscape.

The Commission works to promote the participation, retention and leadership of women and girls as athletes, coaches, technical officials and sports administrators, while advocating safe-sport practices and gender-sensitive policies.

The October programme recognises the influence of sports journalism on public perception, institutional priorities and the opportunities available to female athletes.

Through professional training and engagement, participating journalists are expected to strengthen their capacity to challenge gender stereotypes, improve the representation of women in sports reporting and give appropriate attention to female athletes, coaches and administrators.

The NOC Women Commission has previously organised capacity-building initiatives for female coaches, sports administrators and technical officials across Nigeria.

Its latest engagement with SWAN extends this commitment to the media, recognising that responsible reporting can shape public attitudes, influence decision-making and encourage greater investment in women’s sports.

The Commission had formally informed SWAN about the seminar and sought the Association’s support in mobilising participants and publicising the programme.

The collaboration confirms the importance of closer ties between sports institutions and the media in promoting gender inclusion, developing professional capacity and strengthening the coverage of women’s sports across Nigeria.