The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has intensified its engagement with stakeholders across Nigerian sports with a courtesy visit to basketball investor and promoter, Igoche Mark, focusing on the development and sustainability of basketball in the country.

The SWAN national leadership used the engagement to discuss the importance of stronger collaboration among the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), investors, the media, grassroots stakeholders and other key actors in building a more sustainable basketball ecosystem.

SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, acknowledged Mark’s longstanding involvement in basketball development, particularly through the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, grassroots competitions and talent development initiatives.

Benjamin noted that sustained investment in domestic basketball can create opportunities for players, strengthen grassroots structures and contribute to the development of a more competitive basketball system.

He also stressed the importance of constructive engagement between sports administrators, investors and the media, noting that professional journalism has an important role to play in providing visibility and facilitating informed public discussion on sports development.

Mark, who has expressed his intention to contest for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, used the opportunity to call for objective, balanced and constructive sports journalism as the sport continues to seek stronger institutional and commercial structures.

Speaking on his commitment to basketball development, Mark said:

“I remain committed to investing in the growth of Nigerian basketball and believe that sustained collaboration among the NBBF, investors, the media and other stakeholders is essential to building a stronger and more sustainable basketball ecosystem.”

Benjamin said SWAN’s engagement with basketball stakeholders formed part of the association’s broader responsibility to promote dialogue, visibility and professional reporting around sports development.

“SWAN recognises the importance of supporting genuine efforts to develop basketball at the grassroots and elite levels, and we will continue to provide a professional platform for constructive engagement and wider visibility for initiatives that advance Nigerian sports,” he said.

The SWAN President further noted that the association would continue to engage stakeholders across different sports in a manner that encourages dialogue and highlights initiatives capable of contributing to the growth of Nigerian sports.

The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss the relationship between private investment and the development of domestic basketball, particularly the need for sustainable competitions and stronger pathways for emerging players.

Mark’s involvement in grassroots and domestic basketball competitions has made him a notable figure in discussions around investment and the future direction of the sport in Nigeria.

SWAN’s engagement with him comes as stakeholders continue to explore ways of strengthening basketball administration, competitions, player development and the commercial foundations of the sport.

The delegation was led by SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin and included Secretary-General, Ikenna Victor Okonkwo, and Deputy Secretary-General, Samuel Ahmadu.

Also on the delegation were FCT SWAN Caretaker Chairman, Edwin Akwue; FCT Secretary, Tamara Ebewei; former FCT SWAN Chairman and Chief of Staff to the SWAN President, Chidoka Nwabueze; as well as FCT SWAN members Slyvanus Ofekun, Ralph Ekpang and Tolulope Oguntimehin.