A critical conversation on ethics in sports journalism is set to take centre stage in Owerri as the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo Chapter, prepares to host a high-level workshop aimed at redefining professional standards.
The event, scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, will hold at the OtownGist Training Hall, No. 26 School Road, Owerri, bringing together sports journalists for a session that goes beyond routine discussions to confront real newsroom challenges.
According to a statement jointly signed by Chairman Cosmos Chukwuemeka and Secretary Tunde Liadi, the workshop will run alongside the association’s general congress, with members expected to participate fully in both engagements.
Themed “Balancing Truth and Loyalty: Ethical Responsibilities in Sports Reporting,” the workshop will be led by Fan Ndubuoke, a respected figure in Nigerian sports journalism and administration.
Ndubuoke, who has held key leadership roles including former President of SWAN and Chairman of both the Imo State Sports Commission and the Imo State Football Association, is expected to deliver practical insights on maintaining objectivity in an industry where relationships often influence coverage.
The session is designed to challenge journalists to rethink how they navigate access, loyalty, and credibility — three forces that frequently collide in sports reporting but are rarely addressed openly.
In addition to the ethics session, the workshop will also feature a presentation by Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, who will explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in journalism and how it is reshaping content creation, storytelling, and newsroom efficiency.
Organisers say the dual focus on ethics and innovation reflects the realities of modern media, where journalists must not only uphold standards but also adapt to rapidly evolving tools and audience expectations.
The leadership of SWAN Imo emphasised that the workshop is essential for strengthening professionalism among members and preparing them for the demands of a changing media landscape.
Members have been strongly encouraged to attend the general congress, which will precede the workshop, and to actively engage in the sessions as part of efforts to elevate sports journalism practice in the state.
