One of the foremost sport writers and journalists in Ogun State, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji has declared his intention to take over the affairs of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in the state.
Ogunsiji popularly known as Dpress has thrown his hat in the ring to contest for the chairmanship seat in his thirst to bring development and accountability to the association.
The experienced sport writer who had served at various capacity of the association played a major role in the current Hakeem Akintunde-led administration.
Ogunsiji, a graduate of mass communication who is also the current secretary of SWAN in the state has expressed readiness to consolidate on the achievements of the current administration.
The Director General of Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji's campaign, Rafiu Alarape in a statement said after his emergence as secretary, Ogunsiji took over the secretariat and turned the once docile office to a relaxation centre for sport writers.
Alarape noted that Ogunsiji through his doggedness and tenacity facilitated programmes for the benefits of SWAN members.
He added that the media entrepreneur in his transparent and accountability nature open a bank for the association within one month in office.
He further said Ogunsiji opened a social media page for the sport writer association and also organized First Oba Akamo Table Tennis for media practitioners in the state.
He added, "Ogunsiji increase revenue generation of the association through registration of new members and membership revalidation.
"He also organized two consecutive Security Cup for security and safety agencies in Ogun State.
"He prganized the first Media Cup for journalists in the state. He was also responsible for the production of SWAN Digest Newspaper (four editions).”
Alarape, however, said Ogunsiji is ready to take Ogun SWAN to next level by ensuring an overhaul facelift of the association's secretariat.
He added that Ogunsiji when he emerge as the chairman will ensure successive hosting of SWAN security and media cups.
He further said SWAN members during Ogunsiji's administration will benefit from different workshops and trainings to equip them more in performing their duties.
The DG noted that Ogunsiji will resuscitate the SWAN forum and ensure continuous production of SWAN digest.
Ogunsiji stands out among his colleagues because of his experiences and enthusiasm for the association's growth.
D-PRESS who is the current State Secretary of SWAN in Ogun state chapter had formerly served as Assistant Secretary of the association between 2018- 2020.
A former community reporter of the defunct New Nigerian Newspaper. He covered the indoor games of the National Sports Festival tagged "Gateway Games 2006" hosted by Ogun state.
His outstanding reportage of the Gateway Games 2006 made the then Sports Editor of New Nigerian Newspaper Ltd and former SWAN President in Nigeria, Seidu Abubakar to recommend him for suitable employment with the defunct newspaper outlet.
D-PRESS is a graduate of Mass Communication from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta and he was the association's President in 2012. His thirst for 21st century media knowledge propelled him to enroll for a Bachelor degree in Mass Communication from Crescent University, Abeokuta.
Fast forward, the mediapreneur is the editor of the popular online news tabloid, THE ENCOUNTER NEWS which has dwelled on many investigative and exclusive news stories in Ogun state.
His report in January, 2023 exposed the sub-standard material used for the renovation of the MKO Abiola stadium cover shed and this propelled Governor Abiodun to order for the overhaul of the whole stadium renovation.