One of the foremost sports writers and journalists in Ogun State, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, has thrown his hat into the ring to take over the affairs of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, in the state as it’s chairman.
Ogunsiji, popularly known as D-Press, is contesting for the top job of Ogun State chapter of SWAN, as chairman in his quest to bring development and accountability to the association.
The experienced sports writer, who had served at various capacities in the association, played a major role in the current Hakeem Akintunde-led administration.
Ogunsiji, a graduate of mass communication, who is also the current secretary of SWAN in the state, has expressed his readiness to consolidate on the achievements of the current administration.
The Director General of Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji’s Campaign Organisation, Rafiu Alarape, in a statement said that after his emergence as secretary, Ogunsiji took over the secretariat and turned the once docile SWAN office to an active centre for sports writers.
Noting that that through his doggedness, resourcefulness and tenacity of purpose, Ogunsiji facilitated programmes for the benefits of SWAN members, Alarape added that the media entrepreneur in his transparent and accountability nature, opened a bank for the association within one month in office.
He further revealed that Ogunsiji also created social media page for the sports writers association and also organized the First Oba Akamo Table Tennis tourney for media practitioners in the state.
He added, “Ogunsiji increased the internal revenue generation of the association through registration of new members and membership revalidation.
“He also organized two consecutive Security Cup for security and safety agencies in Ogun State, while the third one is in the offing.
“He organized the first and second Media Cup for journalists in the state. He was also responsible for the production of SWAN Digest Newspaper (four editions).”
Alarape, however, said that Ogunsiji is ready to take Ogun SWAN to the next level by ensuring an overhaul and facelift of the association’s secretariat.
He added that Ogunsiji, when he emerges as the chairman, would ensure successive hosting of SWAN security and media cups.
He further said that SWAN members, during Ogunsiji’s administration, will benefit from different workshops and trainings to equip them more in performing their duties.
The DG noted that Ogunsiji will resuscitate the SWAN forum and ensure continuous production of SWAN Digest.
Ogunsiji stands shoulder above his co-contestants due his his experiences and enthusiasm for the association’s growth.
D-Press, who is the incumbent Secretary of SWAN in Ogun State, had formerly served as Assistant Secretary of the association between 2018- 2020.
A former community reporter of the defunct New Nigerian Newspaper, he covered the indoor games of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2006” hosted by Ogun State.
His outstanding reportage of the Gateway Games 2006 made the then Sports Editor of New Nigerian Newspaper Limited and former President of SWAN in Nigeria, Seidu Abubakar, to recommend him for suitable employment with the defunct newspaper outlet.
A graduate of Mass Communication from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogunsiji was the President, Association of Mass Communication Students in MAPOLY in 2012. His thirst for 21st-century media knowledge propelled him to enroll for a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication in Crescent University, Abeokuta.
The mediapreneur is the editor of the popular online news tabloid, The Encoynter News, which has churned out many investigative and exclusive news stories in Ogun State.
His report in January, 2023 exposed the sub-standard material used for the renovation of the MKO Abiola Stadium cover shed and this propelled Governor Dapo Abiodun to order for the overhaul of the whole stadium renovation.
