Asaba, Delta State — Tension is rising among journalists covering the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba after claims that local reporters were denied access to a ₦2 million cash gift meant for the media by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Bukola Olopade.
The money, released after a press conference on Friday, August 29, 2025, was reportedly intended as a token of appreciation for all journalists—both members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and other practicing reporters covering the event. Nothing at the time suggested that the gesture was restricted to SWAN members alone.
But the story changed once the funds arrived. While accredited visiting journalists from outside Delta State received their share on Monday, September 1, 2025, many local reporters—who have been on ground since the Games began—were completely sidelined. The sharing took place at the Media Center, Stephen Keshi International Stadium.
Investigations show that once the ₦2m was released, National SWAN took 10%, the Delta State Chapter collected another 10%, and the balance was shared exclusively among visiting SWAN members. Local journalists, who have been braving the sun and rain to ensure nationwide coverage, got nothing.
Frustrated reporters have called the move “an insult” and “a clear case of discrimination.”
“We have been here from day one, filing reports and making sure the Games get attention. To exclude us from a gesture that acknowledges our efforts is unfair and disrespectful,” one aggrieved journalist told this paper.
The controversy has sparked criticism of the organizers, with many questioning the transparency and fairness of the distribution process. Observers warn that such incidents could damage the relationship between sports administrators and the press.
When approached, the four-member sharing committee—which included the National Secretary of SWAN—argued that the largesse was meant only for visiting journalists, based on the accreditation list.
So far, the NSC has not released an official statement, but media stakeholders in Delta are urging the Commission to step in quickly before the matter escalates further.
Industry watchers say this drama reflects a recurring problem in Nigerian sports administration—where small incentives, instead of building goodwill, often spark anger and division when not shared fairly.
As the Games continue in Asaba, journalists insist that the NSC must rebuild trust with the host press corps to avoid further embarrassment and ensure fair treatment for all reporters.
