By Nasiru Ibrahim
The Bauchi State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has called for a stronger partnership with the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to drive sports development and create more opportunities for young talents.
Chairman of Bauchi SWAN, Bala Bawaji, made the call on Tuesday, 22nd September 2026, when the association paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Bashir Yau, to congratulate him on his appointment and discuss areas of collaboration.
Bala Bawaji said sports journalists and the ministry have complementary roles in promoting sports, urging the ministry to regard SWAN as a partner in progress.
He proposed the establishment of a SWAN Forum, an interactive platform where the Commissioner and officials of the ministry could regularly engage sports writers, provide updates on programmes and achievements, and share plans and policies for the development of sports in the state.
The SWAN Chairman also appealed for the ministry’s support for SWAN Week, an annual sporting event organised by the association to promote participation, strengthen relationships among sports stakeholders and contribute to the growth of sports in Bauchi.
He further called for the repair, renovation and upgrading of sporting facilities across the state, including football facilities at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa stadium, ATBU, the Games Village, the Multipurpose Hall and other sporting infrastructure.
Bala Bawaji said properly maintained facilities would provide a better environment for discovering, training and developing athletes, particularly at the grassroots.
Responding, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Bashir Yau, thanked SWAN for the visit and congratulated the association for its continued contribution to sports through professional reporting.
He assured the association of the ministry’s support and cooperation, saying the ministry would continue to engage sports journalists and other stakeholders in advancing the sector.
The Commissioner disclosed that he inherited a bill already passed by the Bauchi State House of Assembly for the establishment of a State Sports Commission, which he said would strengthen the institutional framework for sports administration and development in the state.
He also disclosed plans to establish a Sports Academy aimed at identifying, nurturing and developing young sporting talents.
Bashir Yau said he had also visited the State Ministry of Education to explore collaboration on the development of sports, particularly through a “Catch Them Young” initiative.
According to him, the initiative would focus on identifying sporting talents from an early age and providing them with the necessary training and development to compete at higher levels.
He said nurturing talents from the grassroots could create pathways for young athletes to become national and international stars, while generating opportunities and revenue and increasing Bauchi State’s visibility on the global sporting scene.
The Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to working with SWAN and other stakeholders to build a stronger foundation for sustainable sports development in Bauchi State.