The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter and the Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA) have resolved their differences.
They agreed to work together to promote football and sports development in the state.
The resolution was reached following a reconciliatory meeting between the leadership of both organisations in Awka.
This was contained in a joint statement signed by Mr Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of SWAN, Anambra Chapter, and Mr Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of AnSFA.
Both bodies had been involved in a dispute that lasted for more than two years.
According to the statement, stakeholders at the meeting agreed to put the disagreement behind them and play complementary roles toward the advancement of football and sports journalism in Anambra.
The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, was attended by Mr Ikem Asika, Vice President of SWAN, South-East Zone.
Mr Uche Ndeke, Secretary of SWAN in Anambra; Mr Marvelous Ezenwa, Treasurer of SWAN; and Iloenyosi, alongside one of his aides, Dashu Chucks, were also present.
The parties also agreed to withdraw all complaints and cases filed against one another, including those reported to security agencies.
A New Dawn
Speaking after the meeting, Anaso described the reconciliation as a positive development and a turning point for sports in the state.
He said that although both parties had reasons for their actions during the dispute, the prolonged disagreement had negatively affected sports development.
“This is a new dawn for football and sports in Anambra.
“It happened organically without any mediator or facilitator, and we thank God for making it possible.
“I also appreciate members of SWAN in Anambra and the national leadership of the association for their understanding, solidarity and interventions during the period,” he said.
Also speaking, Asika expressed satisfaction that the dispute had been resolved.
He described the relationship between sports administrators and the media as indispensable.
“Sports and the media are like siamese twins. The misunderstanding was unnecessary, and I am happy that it is now behind us.
“Football deserves all the attention it can get, and this reconciliation will benefit the sport in the state,” he said.
On his part, Iloenyosi recalled the cordial relationship he had enjoyed with members of SWAN before the disagreement.
He expressed delight that the impasse had been resolved and pledged to make SWAN an integral part of the football association’s activities.
“I hold nothing against anybody. Everyone involved is my friend, and I see no reason why we should not work together as a team.
“I am happy that we have reconciled. Let bygones be bygones,” he said.
