The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SWAN

  • Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup: SWAN charges Keshi, NFF on teamwork

    Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup: SWAN charges Keshi, NFF on teamwork

    The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) Lagos chapter, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, to close ranks and uphold the spirit of teamwork in order to steady-foot Nigeria’s preparation for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

    The call by Lagos SWAN is in reaction to on-going conflict on the appointment of an assistant coach in addition to Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmi to beef up the technical crew of team.

    SWAN observed in the statement signed by its chairman, Fred Edoreh, and secretary, Emma Njoku, that “whereas Keshi is insisting on the reinstatement of Sylvanus Okpalla while the NFF is insisting that Okpalla remains sacked as a matter of disciplinary action for alleged insubordination, what is required is for both bench and management to approach the matter with sobriety and not grandstanding.”

    SWAN pointed out that the nation is disturbed about this discourse and how it will rub off on our World Cup campaign and urged the parties to listen to each other. “We are informed that both Keshi and the NFF agree on the need for an assistant especially in the area of training. We are further assured that Keshi has been given liberty to seek the assistant, local or foreign, by himself but within the prisms of affordability and acceptability. The contention is whether the NFF should reverse itself on the issue of discipline with regards to Sylvanus Okpalla as Keshi is said to be insisting. We believe that the conflict can be resolved with a sense of mutual understanding and respect between employee and employer. We are in no doubt that the NFF would and should give Keshi all necessary support to succeed, but it is also crucial that the institutional authority and discipline within the organisation of the NFF be respected and maintained, without which it will be condemned to a house corrosive disorder with potential ripples into other grades of our male and female national teams. We therefore advise both parties to understand each other and work out a common ground before it is too late and do not allow the issue to degenerate into a major distraction.”

    According to SWAN, there are basic assurances which makes the matter a lot simpler to resolve. “While there have been fears that talks about a foreign technical assistant might just be a ploy on the part of the NFF to bring in a foreign technical adviser above Keshi, we are assured from our inquiries that the football house is not contemplating any such thing which they very well know holds no guarantee and have amounted to no reasonable effect over the years. With this fear satisfactorily assuaged, the issue of seeking an assistant coach can not therefore become another bone in our neck.”

  • SWAN gives career tips in accounting

    The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) has counselled female pupils of some select schools in Lagos State on the benefits of accounting as a profession.

    The event held at Maryland where the President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Mr Adedoyin Owolabi led other resource persons in various talks to the girls.

    Owolobi, who was represented by Dr John Enahoro, advised the girls could achieve their dreams.

    He said students, who are interested in becoming chartered accountants need to know the prerequisite subjects which qualify them to sit for ICAN examinations.

    He said chartered accountants “command very high respect” in the society and that there is employment for them. Their role, Owolabi added, gives them the power to positively impact on people.

    He said ICAN has made available into scholarships categorised in Gold, silver and bronze for aspiring chartered accountants faced with financial constraints.

    In her address on the theme: Accountancy: A noble profession, Mrs Uchenna Erobu, a Senior Partner, Akintola Williams Deloitte, said the girls could become chartered accountants regardless of whether they are from poor or rich backgrounds.

    Citing herself, Mrs Erobu recalled how she and her siblings had a turbulent time as children – with her having to hawk to augment the family income.

    She said her dream which started when she was in her secondary school, was achieved as a university undergraduate, and opened opportunities for her.

    “As soon as I became chartered, juicy offers started coming from all directions. I knew instantly that I had to abandon school to look for a job to take care of my siblings. And no sooner did I leave school that opportunities began flowing in, and good money too,” she said.

    She said rather than sell their bodies to men, all it takes is seriousness and dedication to attain the career of their dream.

    Mrs Bukky Akinmoladun, who spoke on: ‘Students’ success through time and money management, warned the girls to be astute managers of time, saying they shoud imbibe the four Ps-Planning, Perseverance, Persistence and People.

    “Time is static; you cannot add to it or take away from it. But you can manage it,” she said.

    Earlier, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by Deputy Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lola Akande, lauded SWAN members, saying their philosophy tallies with that of New Era Foundation, which has executed various empowerment programmes for youths.

    Mrs Tinubu said the Spelling Bee contest, which the Foundation began in 2001, to enhance English language proficiency students, has reached its 13th edition and has produced winners, who are doing well in various fields.