The chairman of Lagos chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Olatutu Oladunni, after several consultations with members and the state chapter leaders, has urged members to pay their annual professional dues from this year 2023.
She made it clear that payment of N36,000 will be a yearly due for members of the association in Lagos with reference to members’ welfare and insurance really put into consideration at all times.
To make it easier for members to pay out, the President suggests that payment could be made in two installments.
According to the President, the annual premium would include insurance costs, HMO medical availability, a welfare package (Salah and Christmas), administrative maintenance and cooperative services.
He said other credible corporate items will be unveiled such as an annual calendar covering all current Lagos SWAN activities and photos of registered members and their important roles, corporate gifts such as notebooks and of course the association’s personalized Lagos SWAN kits.
“These make us regular professional members working in a coordinated structure because I think it’s important that we start to appreciate each other so that the public can appreciate our contribution to the society,” the chairman said in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.
Olatutu Oladunni revealed that SWAN Lagos Chapter members deserve special attention especially the elders, adding that it will not be pretty to see our members rotting in poverty after retiring from the profession.
She further explained that if done correctly, the backup would provide emergency relief to members.
She called on the members to redefine the purpose of membership in a professional association; “We work with the noble association SWAN and act with care and professionalism.
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“I see no reason why an organization like the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Lagos State cannot be run as a full-fledged professional organization like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and many others whose members pay dues to set up professional organizations,” he said.
She believes that membership in Lagos SWAN should provide every member with many benefits beyond the usual media commercials or relying on sports administrators for their survival, adding that members should start planning for their retirement and contingencies well in advance.
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Olatutu Oladunni explained that contributions of N36,000 per year would be sufficient at a time when the situation in the country was not too rosy.
“I am deeply convinced that by paying this annual fee we will also become dedicated members of the association and our brothers will become ‘all-time guardians’,” said Oladunni, Publisher of the DAILY NEWS POST MAGAZINE
He also reports that the Executives are gathering forces to organize several training courses for members and help them grow into the career of their choice.
Olatutu Oladunni reveals that the Lagos SWAN Secretariat at Surulere National Stadium needs upgrading to be in good condition and attractive as the building has not been properly managed in the past.
“The facility needs a major renovation. “While we’ve done a lot in and around the building since we took office, there’s still work to be done,” she said.
