The Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourist Football Club, Alhaji Haruna Bako, has called for the support and cooperation of sports journalists as the club begins efforts to rebuild the team and secure a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Bako made the appeal on Sunday during a familiarisation visit to the Bauchi State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at the NUJ Secretariat in Bauchi.
He said the new management was determined to correct past mistakes and reposition the club for a successful campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
According to him, the ultimate objective is to ensure that Wikki Tourist returns to the NPFL by next season.
Bako described sports journalists as important partners in the development of the club, noting that their role in disseminating information and projecting the image of Wikki Tourist could contribute significantly to the success of the new administration.
“My success is your success,” he told the SWAN members, stressing the need for a strong working relationship between the club and the media.
He disclosed that the management had also appointed a Security Coordinator, a former footballer and retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, to strengthen security around the club’s matches.
Bako said the decision was informed by security challenges and crises among supporters’ groups experienced during the previous season, which resulted in sanctions and fines and contributed to the club’s relegation from the NPFL to the NNL.
He further announced three other appointments, including Bauchi State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, as part of efforts to strengthen the administration of the club.
Responding, SWAN Chairman in Bauchi State, Bala Bawaji, congratulated Bako and assured him of the association’s support.
Bawaji said SWAN was ready to work with the new management and provide full coverage of Wikki Tourist matches.
He, however, urged the Sole Administrator to maintain the welfare arrangements previously enjoyed by sports journalists during away matches.
Other speakers, including NUJ State Secretary Isa Garba Gadau, Dauda Chroma of Albarka and BRC Sports Correspondent lmrana Galaje, called for a robust partnership between Wikki Tourist and SWAN.
They urged the management to avoid previous mistakes and focus on building a team capable of securing promotion to the NPFL.
Source: Sports Archives – New Telegraph
