The Och’Idoma and President of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo John, has reiterated that sports go far beyond competition, describing it as a powerful instrument for education, character formation, unity, peace-building, crime reduction and social inclusion.

 

The revered monarch made this assertion at the weekend when the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, led a national delegation to pay him a courtesy visit at his royal palace in Otukpo.

 

“In a nation with a youthful population like Nigeria, sports remains one of the strongest platforms for youth engagement and empowerment, crime reduction and social inclusion, talent discovery and economic opportunity, national pride and global representation,” the Och’Idoma said.

 

He noted that traditional rulers, as custodians of culture, peace and moral authority, share a complementary role with sports journalists, whom he described as custodians of narratives, truth and inspiration.

 

“When these two institutions work together, the impact is far-reaching and transformational,” he declared, urging journalists to deploy their pens, cameras, commentaries and investigative skills for the overall good of society.

 

The paramount ruler commended sports journalists for nurturing sporting icons, shaping public opinion and preserving Nigeria’s collective sporting memories. He also praised the sacrifices of past and present SWAN leaders and members who, according to him, have laboured—often without adequate recognition—to keep Nigerian sports in national consciousness.

 

As National Patron of SWAN, the Och’Idoma advised the association to focus on constructive ideas to sustain its growth and relevance. He called on SWAN to deepen its engagement in grassroots and school sports, particularly in rural communities where many talents are lost due to lack of exposure.

 

He also advocated mentorship platforms where experienced sports journalists can train young writers, commentators, photographers and digital creators, while upholding professionalism and ethical standards.

 

Other recommendations included partnerships with traditional rulers to revive local sports festivals and promote peace, stronger advocacy for improved sports policies, infrastructure and athlete welfare, and increased investment in modern storytelling, archiving Nigeria’s sports history and combating misinformation.

 

“In times of social tension, sports remains a neutral ground. SWAN can champion sports-for-peace initiatives across regions and cultures,” he added.

 

The Och’Idoma reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that empower youths through sports and pledged to encourage collaboration between SWAN and traditional institutions in promoting unity, discipline and excellence.

 

“I see this patronage not as a title, but as a shared mission to build a healthier, more united and purpose-driven Nigeria,” he said, thanking SWAN for the honour and the visit.

 

Earlier, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin explained that the delegation visited the monarch to express gratitude for his contribution to the association’s 60th anniversary celebration held in Abuja last year. He disclosed that the visit also provided an opportunity to confer on the Och’Idoma one of SWAN’s highest honours, the SWAN Nigeria of Sports (SNOS), and to formally present him with a letter of nomination as the association’s patron.

 

The event was attended by first- and second-class traditional chiefs of the Idoma Area Traditional Council, as well as the President and Secretary-General of Ochetoha K’Idoma, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu and Chief Dr. Paul Edeh, respectively.

 

The Chairman of SWAN, Benue State Chapter, Mr. Hembadoon Orsar, who represented the Vice President of SWAN, North Central Zone, Mr. Olayinka Owolewa, led a delegation from Makurdi to the Och’Idoma Palace.