The Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has announced a complete boycott of the media coverage of the Enugu International Marathon scheduled for Saturday, May 3.
The decision, according to the association, stems from what it describes as a deliberate exclusion from the event’s preparations and a lack of professional respect from the organisers.
The move has jolted the state’s sporting circles, as the marathon was billed to be a major international event highlighting Enugu’s emerging role in sports tourism.
Chairman of SWAN Enugu, Gideon Iwueke of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), expressed strong disapproval over the treatment of the association.
“It is regrettable and quite provocative that this marathon press briefing and related activities were conducted without the involvement of SWAN,” Iwueke said.
“This was clearly not coordinated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and appears to be a calculated attempt to sideline the recognised body of sports journalists in the state.”
He warned that any journalist who covers the event would do so independently, not under the association’s umbrella.
“The association is united, and we reject any attempt to divide the media. SWAN will not be used or insulted. We stand firmly in our decision to stay away from the marathon. Let it be known: there is no official media partnership between us and the organisers of this event,” he declared.
The decision has led to a significant withdrawal of sports journalists from covering the event, casting doubt on its media visibility and the broader public impact it was meant to generate.
Though the marathon is still expected to attract over 100 elite athletes from within and outside Nigeria, concerns have emerged regarding its credibility in the absence of coordinated media engagement.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the event organisers nor the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports had issued any official response to the boycott.
Their silence has further fueled the controversy, overshadowing what was once anticipated as a proud showcase of Enugu’s sporting ambition.
