MEDIA
Mumini Alao inducted by Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Veteran Nigerian sports journalist Dr. Mumini Alao has been inducted as an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (CiArb), United Kingdom.
The induction took place on Friday, 10 November, 2023 at the Harbor Point, Victoria Island, Lagos at the year’s Gala Night of the Nigeria Branch of the CiArb.
The Gala Night was the culmination of a three-day international conference held under the theme, “Adapting to the Future: African Perspective on Arbitration and ADR.” Aside from the Nigerian members of the institute who converged on Lagos from all over the country, there were also delegates from Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Uganda, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom among others.
Altogether, nine sessions were held over the three-day period during which several topical issues in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Africa were extensively discussed by very cerebral and distinguished panelists and moderators. The final session examined the recently passed Nigerian Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 and how it would impact the practice of the profession in the country.
During the induction of new members of the institute that followed, the chairman of the Nigeria Branch, Chief Akingbola Akinola, SAN, a Chartered Arbitrator, charged the inductees to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Institute whenever they were called upon to serve. He administered the oath of membership on them and admonished them to dedicate themselves to the service of society.
Dr. Mumini Alao, former group managing director and now executive consultant at Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspapers, was one of the 35 inducted as associate members of the Institute. Fourteen others were promoted as Members while eight were elevated to the rank of Fellows of the Institute.
Reacting to his induction, Dr. Alao expressed the hope that his more than three decades of experience in sports journalism will be an advantage. He noted: “I realized that we do not have many journalists, particularly sports journalists, who are trained arbitrators in Nigeria. Yet, we regularly have conflicts in our media and sports ecosystems that can be resolved via mediation and arbitration by people who are experienced and familiar with the issues at stake in these sectors.”
Dr. Mumini Alao (right) with Barrister Faruq Abass at the CiArb conference.
He added: “Particularly in Nigerian sports, I feel that we need to develop a proper framework for dispute resolution without recourse to litigation at the regular courts which is frowned upon by international sports federations like FIFA.
“We need the domestic version of the international Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that will handle local sports disputes with total independence, impartiality, and integrity and whose decisions will be respected by all stakeholders. I hope I can play some role in that regard.
“That’s one of my motivations for joining the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators,” he concluded.
The 2024 annual conference of the Nigeria branch of the CiArb is scheduled to hold in Abuja.
In a disturbing development highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in North Africa, French sports reporter Christophe Gleizes has been sentenced to seven years in prison by an Algerian court for simply doing his job.
Gleizes, a contributor to acclaimed French publications So Foot and Society, was convicted on Sunday, June 29, by the Tizi Ouzou court on charges of “apology for terrorism” and “possession of publications intended to spread propaganda that harms the national interest.” An immediate arrest warrant was issued.
The verdict has sparked outrage in press freedom circles and sports journalism communities, as observers label the trial as politically motivated and devoid of credible evidence.
Gleizes, co-author of the investigative book Magique Système, which explores the exploitation of African footballers, had travelled to Algeria in spring 2024 to research a story on JS Kabylie—one of the country’s most storied football clubs from the 1980s. He was also preparing a tribute to the late Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebossé, who died under mysterious circumstances after a match in Algeria in 2014.
His arrest on May 28, 2024, was reportedly linked to past online exchanges (from 2015 and 2017) with a local football club figure associated with the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK), a group banned in Algeria. However, his 2024 interactions were reportedly limited strictly to football-related inquiries for his feature on JSK.
For over a year, Gleizes had been trapped in Algeria under judicial supervision, barred from leaving the country—a form of de facto house arrest. Now, with a harsh prison sentence handed down, the case is seen as yet another blow to press freedom in Algeria, particularly for journalists covering sensitive issues, even in sports.
Many in the football and media world are calling for Gleizes’ immediate release, condemning what they describe as the criminalisation of journalism and the silencing of free expression under the guise of national security.
The case raises fresh concerns about the increasingly hostile environment for international journalists in the region—even those covering the beautiful game.
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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially unveiled the commemorative logo for its 60th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the Association’s illustrious journey since its establishment in 1964.
The body was founded on February 1, 1964, when a group of journalists met in Lagos. The founding leaders who met at the Broad Street Lagos offices of Daily Times elected Adebayo Thompson of Morning Post as their founding chairman.
Babington Bakare was elected as the vice chairman. The founding secretary was Maurice Domboh of West African Pilot while the treasurer was Ishola Folorunsho of the Radio Nigeria. Cyril Kappo of Daily Times was the inaugural assistant secretary while Ajibade Fashina-Thomas of Daily Times was the publicity secretary.
The ex-officio members were Peter Osugo (Daily Times) and Sola Oluwole of Daily Express.
In reality, SWAN will be celebrating 60 years plus one. According to a press statement by the national executive of SWAN, the unveiling of the anniversary logo signals the beginning of a series of activities lined up to celebrate six decades of outstanding contributions to sports journalism, development, and advocacy in Nigeria.
The logo, creatively designed in vibrant green and white, proudly incorporates the figure “60” and the SWAN emblem — a reflection of the Association’s legacy and enduring impact in the sporting landscape of the country.
A ribbon bearing the inscription “Years Anniversary” boldly affirms the significance of the diamond jubilee.
SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin described the unveiling as a symbolic moment of pride, reflection, and rededication.
“As we unveil this logo, we are not just celebrating the past 60 years, but also reigniting our collective commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the promotion of sports through responsible journalism,” he stated.
He added that the anniversary celebration will feature a rich lineup of activities, including awards, public lectures, media games, recognition of sports icons and veterans, as well as a gala night to honour distinguished personalities who have supported SWAN’s mission over the years.
The three-day anniversary event will be held in October, aligning with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
The 60th anniversary comes as SWAN intensifies its role in shaping narratives around sports governance, policy, and inclusive participation across all levels.
Members of the media, partners, stakeholders, and the general public are enjoined to join in the celebration of this historic achievement and support the Association’s vision for the future.
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Dr Patrice Motsepe, who was returned unopposed as CAF president on Wednesday in Cairo, has had his first term in office documented.
According to the CAF publication, Motsepe will build on the extensive progress he made during his first term to make African Football globally competitive.
Dr Motsepe’s objective when he first took office in March 2021 was to make African Football self-sustaining and drive growth in several different spheres. The last four years have seen CAF move its development agenda forward at pace with many historic firsts.
These achievements are contained in a publication to mark Dr Motsepe’s first four years as President, titled, ‘The Growth and Success of African Football Continues’, which media can download here
The magazine walks us through Dr Motsepe’s 10-point plan when he took office, and the wide-ranging advances that have been made towards reaching and surpassing his objectives.
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