The Sports Journalists Forum (SJF) has launched its empowerment programme to support members in need of professional and business assistance. This initiative, which coincides with the group’s 7th anniversary, will provide financial support and grants for sports journalists who run small businesses or have entrepreneurial ambitions.
As part of the programme’s launch, Molade Oketoki and Ajunwa Julian each received a grant of 200,000 Naira to support their growing businesses, while Esther Pushe was awarded 100,000 Naira.
SJF Group Administrator, Godwin Enakhena, said beyond giving handouts to struggling colleagues, supporting members with businesses and innovative ideas is vital to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We must do more for ourselves as a group. Media professionals especially those reporting sports can dream of becoming more as humans. In this sector, we have potentials and visionaries who are simply looking for that helping hand to actualise their visions. This is what we want to achieve through the SJF Empowerment Initiative”, Enakhena said.
In addition to assisting small businesses, the group plans to explore professional and career opportunities, as well as forge progressive partnerships for members seeking growth.
Enakhena highlighted that the initiative will be a top priority for SJF in 2025, as it is essential to provide legitimate opportunities for colleagues who are eager to advance their careers. He also announced that Enitan Obadina, Advanced Editor – Sports at Opera News, will lead the research, seminars, and self-development section of the project, with activities set to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
He expressed gratitude to the members who contributed to the endowment funds and encouraged others to follow suit.
In addition to business support, the SJF also honoured and rewarded 11 members across various categories during its annual end of the year event. Each winner received 50,000 Naira, a certificate, and a football jersey of their choice. Emmanuel Joseph was named as the inaugural winner of the ‘Personal Development’ category, receiving 50,000 Naira as well.
The event witnessed a large turnout of Sports Journalists with so much to eat and drink. The public presentation which was part of SJF’s end of year party held in Lagos on Saturday, December 21 at Sinatra Place in Ikeja, Lagos.
