..criticises ODSFA over salary reduction ahead of League Second Stanza

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has expressed dissatisfaction over the omission of notable sports icons during the recent 50th anniversary celebration of Ondo State, describing the development as unfortunate.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s meeting held in Akure on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The meeting was presided over by the state chairman of SWAN, Segun Giwa.

In the communiqué, the Congress congratulated Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the people of the state on the golden jubilee celebration marking 50 years since the creation of Ondo State.
However, the association expressed displeasure that sportsmen and women who had represented and brought honour to the state over the past five decades were not recognised during the anniversary activities.
To address the perceived oversight, SWAN disclosed plans to organise a special event, in collaboration with relevant sporting associations and federations, to celebrate outstanding Ondo State indigenes who have distinguished themselves in sports.
The association also called on sports stakeholders across the state to work together to promote sports development, with particular emphasis on football. It noted alleged lack of synergy between the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA)—the parent body of Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens—and other relevant football associations in the state.
SWAN described as “preposterous” the decision of the ODSFA management to reduce the salaries of players and officials ahead of the second stanza of the league without what it termed adequate explanation.
Furthermore, the Congress expressed serious concern over the absence of a befitting stadium in the state capable of hosting national sporting events, warning that the situation has continued to deny the state potential economic benefits associated with such competitions.
The association urged relevant authorities to take urgent steps to address the identified challenges in order to reposition sports for sustainable growth in Ondo State.