SWAN passes vote of confidence on national keadership, reinstates Deputy President at full Council Meeting

SWAN passes vote of confidence on national keadership, reinstates Deputy President at full Council Meeting

By Johnson Arua

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has passed a vote of confidence on its National Executive Committee (NEC) led by President Isaiah Benjamin, commending its leadership for repositioning the Association for greater professional relevance and institutional stability.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Full Council Meeting of SWAN held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, and attended by delegates from all state chapters across the country.

According to the communiqué signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee chaired by Chimezie Anaso, the Council lauded the NEC’s “visionary leadership, transparency, and commitment to strengthening unity and engagement with stakeholders within and outside the sporting community.”

SWAN–NUJ Relationship

The Council commended the cordial relationship between the national leadership of SWAN and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), affirming that there was no misunderstanding between both bodies. It urged State Chapters and NUJ Councils to emulate the national example in fostering professional cooperation and unity among journalists.

Reinstatement of Deputy President

Delegates also accepted the unreserved apology of the Association’s Deputy President, Mr. Bonny Nyong, who was suspended at the 2024 Full Council Meeting in Kano. His suspension was lifted, and he was reinstated with full rights and privileges of his office.

2026 Membership Registration

The Council announced that registration for the 2026 membership year would commence in November 2025, and directed that all registration processes be coordinated strictly through State Chapters.

SWAN @ 60 Anniversary

The Association celebrated its 60th anniversary with gratitude to God, sports administrators, and partners for their contributions to the success of the commemorative events held on October 30 and 31, 2025, in Abuja. Delegates also paid tribute to the founding fathers and veterans for their foresight and sacrifices, while congratulating all awardees honoured during the celebrations.

Commendation for Sports Commission and Federations

SWAN congratulated the National Sports Commission (NSC) led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade for their visionary leadership in advancing sports development in Nigeria. The Association pledged continued partnership with the NSC in efforts to enhance the country’s sporting infrastructure.

The communiqué further commended the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for their proactive activities following the recent National Sports Federations elections, urging other federations to emulate their example by focusing on talent discovery and development.

Nigeria Football and 2026 World Cup

SWAN acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Eagles toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging sustained commitment to achieving the nation’s qualification goals.

Funding and Sports Development

The Association commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for increasing budgetary allocations to the sports sector in the 2025 national budget. It, however, called for sustained funding to enhance youth engagement, reduce social vices, and strengthen national unity through sports.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the drafting committee members: Chimezie Anaso (Chairman), Emmanuel Akpan (Vice Chairman), Hembadoon Orsar (Secretary), Ahmed Amshi, and Jacob Onjewu, and endorsed by the SWAN Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo.