By Nasir Shuaibu, BAUCHI
The management of Wikki Tourist Football Club of Bauchi State has sought a stronger partnership with sports journalists to enhance publicity, image-building and the overall development of the club.
The Sole Administrator of Wikki Tourist, Alhaji Haruna Bako, made the call 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.
Bako described the media as an important partner in the administration and development of the club, saying the support of sports journalists would be critical to the success of the new management.
He said the club was determined to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after its relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL) following a difficult previous season.
The Sole Administrator attributed some of the challenges faced by the club to crises among supporters’ groups and incidents involving unruly supporters during matches, which also resulted in fines and other disciplinary measures.
To address the situation, Bako disclosed the appointment of a Security Coordinator, Musa Musari a former footballer and retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), to oversee security arrangements before, during and after Wikki Tourist matches.
He expressed confidence that the new security structure would help prevent a recurrence of incidents that negatively affected the club especially during matches.
Bako also announced three other appointments, including the Bauchi State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, to assist in the administration of the club.
He urged SWAN members to work closely with the management by providing balanced and professional coverage of the team.
Responding, SWAN Chairman in Bauchi State, Bala Bawaji, congratulated Bako on his appointment and welcomed his decision to engage the association.
Bawaji assured the club of SWAN’s cooperation and promised comprehensive coverage of Wikki Tourist matches.
He also appealed to the management to sustain the welfare arrangements provided to sports journalists during home and away matches.
Other speakers, including NUJ State Secretary Isa Garba Gadau, Dauda Chroma of Albarka and BRC Sports Correspondent lmrana Galaje, advocated stronger collaboration between Wikki Tourist and SWAN.
They called on the new management to learn from past experiences and work with all stakeholders to restore the club to the NPFL.
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