The Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Shehu Abdullahi, has urged sports journalists across the country to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), data journalism and digital reporting, to remain relevant in the changing media landscape.

Abdullahi made the call on Thursday while welcoming delegates to the 2026 SWAN National Triennial Delegates Congress in Kaduna.

He said the rapid growth of social media, misinformation and new technologies had made professionalism, accuracy, fairness and integrity more important to the journalism profession.

According to him, sports journalists must continuously upgrade their skills through training in digital journalism, investigative reporting, ethical reporting, data journalism and emerging technologies.

“The future of sports journalism depends on journalists who are adequately trained, technologically equipped and sufficiently motivated to carry out their responsibilities,” he said.

He urged SWAN members to adapt to the changing nature of journalism while preserving the professional and ethical principles of the profession.

Abdullahi also called for unity among members, saying the association’s collective interest should take precedence over personal ambitions.

He urged delegates participating in the congress to approach the leadership transition with maturity, tolerance and sportsmanship, stressing the need for a peaceful and credible election.

“Let our elections be free, fair, transparent and peaceful. Let us remember that at the end of the process, we will all remain members of one family,” he said.

The Kaduna SWAN chairman said whoever emerged from the electoral process should receive the cooperation and support of members to move the association forward.

He also called for greater attention to the welfare and professional development of sports writers, saying improved working conditions and capacity building were essential to strengthening sports journalism in Nigeria.

Abdullahi described SWAN as an important stakeholder in the Nigerian sporting ecosystem, noting that sports writers help shape public understanding of sports through reports, interviews, analysis and features.

He said journalists therefore had a responsibility to give visibility to athletes, teams, administrators and sporting events while maintaining high professional standards.

The chairman expressed appreciation to the SWAN national leadership for choosing Kaduna to host the congress and commended the Kaduna State Government, sponsors, partners, security agencies, volunteers and other stakeholders for their contributions towards the event.

The congress, which began on August 26 and ends on August 29, 2026 has delegates from SWAN chapters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.