By Isyaku Ibrahim
A season sports commentator Rilwanu Idris Malikawa has warned sports journalists against being used by external forces to settle scores with their adversaries
Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu gave the warning at a one workshop organised by Sahel Sports in conjunction with Kano State Library Board at the American Corner of the outfit in preparation of upcoming World Cup to be held in America,Canada and Mexico
He emphasized that fellow sports writers as agents of transformation should conduct their laid down responsibilities to promote healthy rivalry, friendliness ,peace and concord in a given environment not to cause misunderstanding between one community and the other as it violates one of its doctrines
He lambasted a situation whereby such people that are supposed to be role models will be deceived by unpatriotic elements in another dimension an act he described as unethical and nothing to write home about
He thanked the organisers of the gathering for their acumen calling on the participants to translate what they learnt into practice as the World Cup in fast approaching
The sports writer added that although Nigeria failed to qualify to the competition , this will hinder sports writers to accord adequate coverage of the game as according to him objectivity forms part of their attributes
Speaking the former secretary of the Kano chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists Comrade Abdulgafar Oladimeji, regretted how most people do not see sporting events as real business
He lamented that most people in this country have taken sports for granted unlike in other climes that is being understood as gold mine that fetched one a lot of money
He pointed out that as 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching a platform will be created in that respect hence enjoined fellow sporting journalists to use it adequately during the period as there are opportunities abound during the global event that one will benefit
Comrade Abdulgafar Oladimeji a lawyer cum sports writer described issues of fans engagement, access to information, sponsorship and watching games as areas that colleagues will stand to gain much during the tourney
The former Secretary urged them to strategize with a view to reaping from the advantage as such a chance comes once in a moonlight
While speaking, the Chief Executive of the State Library Board Alhaji Kabiru Ado Zakirai, hailed the foresight behind organising the gathering despite the fact Nigeria will not be part of the participants at the quadrennial event
He expressed delight that the hiccup did not discourage them an act that according to him showed clearly how objective journalists are urging them to maintain the tempo with a view to becoming shining stars in their respective domains
The chief Executive regretted how most people perceived Libraries as places of reading only not observing other functions which he said narrowed the objective of setting up the edifice stressing their readiness to remain open for people related businesses
He however reiterated the present administration’s resolve in working jointly with public spirited individuals and corporate organisations in attaining set goals and objectives particularly at this period of Democratic processes
