Eid el-Maulud: SWAN Calls For Greater Investment In C’River Grassroots Sports

CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Cross River State Chapter, has called for greater investment in grassroots sports development as part of efforts to promote peace, youth engagement and social cohesion in the state.

The call was made by the state SWAN Chairman, Comrade Michael Akpang, in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to mark the Eid el-Maulud celebration commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Akpang urged the Cross River State Government and other stakeholders to give greater attention to grassroots sports, talent discovery, sports infrastructure and athlete development.

He said sustained investment in sports, particularly at the school and community levels, could provide young people with opportunities while promoting discipline, teamwork and peaceful coexistence.

“It is our desire to see lasting peace, security and prosperity in our state. We are also desirous of sustained investment in school sports and community competitions,” Akpang said.

The SWAN chairman maintained that sports could serve as a bridge among people from different backgrounds by creating opportunities for interaction, fair competition and mutual understanding.

“Sports provide a common platform where people from different backgrounds can interact, compete fairly and build lasting relationships,” he said.

Akpang stressed that greater attention to grassroots sports would help harness the energy and talents of young people while encouraging values capable of strengthening social harmony.

He also called on private-sector organisations, corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to complement government efforts by supporting sporting programmes and initiatives that could create opportunities for youths and strengthen unity.

According to him, developing sports beyond elite competitions requires sustained attention to grassroots programmes, where young talents can be identified, nurtured and prepared for higher levels of competition.

The SWAN chairman also felicitated Muslim faithful in Cross River State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid el-Maulud, urging them to reflect on the teachings and exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad, particularly the virtues of peace, justice, compassion, tolerance, humility and love for humanity.

He said the values associated with the celebration remained relevant to the pursuit of peace, security and development in Cross River State.

The Cross River SWAN chapter extended its greetings to Muslim athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, officials, supporters and the wider Muslim community in the state.

The association urged stakeholders to view investment in grassroots sports not only as a pathway to sporting excellence but also as an avenue for youth development, social integration and peaceful coexistence.