The fund, was released after Friday August 29, 2025, press conference, shortly after the opening ceremony where both members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and none SWAN members but practicing journalists (home base), as a token of appreciation to the press corps for their coverage.
Before and after the briefing, no indication was given that the press conference was exclusively for registered SWAN members. However, once the money was released, the narrative suddenly changed.
However, while accredited journalists from outside Delta State have received their share, many home reporters who have been on ground since the start of the competition were sidelined on Monday September 1, 2025, during the disbursement by the sharing committee, which took place at the Media Center, Stephen Keshi International Stadium.
Findings revealed that upon release of the fund, the National SWAN reportedly took 10 percent, another 10 percent was allocated to the State Chapter, while the remaining balance was shared among visiting SWAN members, leaving out the host journalists.
Aggrieved journalists described the development as “an insult” and “a clear case of discrimination against host journalists whose work has given visibility to the Games.”
“We have been here from day one, under the sun and rain, filing reports and ensuring nationwide coverage. To be excluded from a gesture that acknowledges our effort is unfair and disrespectful,” one reporter told this paper.
The controversy has raised questions about transparency and fairness in the distribution of the largesse, with critics accusing organizers of neglecting the very journalists who have shouldered the heaviest workload.
While NSC officials have yet to issue a formal statement, media stakeholders in Delta are urging the Commission to address the matter swiftly.
Observers warn that such incidents, if left unresolved, could dampen morale and strain relations between the sporting body and the press.
Industry watchers say the episode underscores a recurring challenge in Nigerian sports administration, where token incentives often spark more disaffection than goodwill when not handled equitably.
When approached for clarification, the four-member sharing committee, which included the National Secretary of SWAN, explained that the largesse was intended for visiting journalists, as reflected in the accreditation list.
As the Youth Games continue in Asaba, many believe the NSC must urgently rebuild trust with the host press corps to avoid further embarrassment and to ensure that journalists, who serve as critical partners in promoting sports, are treated with fairness and respect.