SWAN @60: LOC, Special Awards Committees Take-off Ahead Of Epoch Anniversary
The National Leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has formally inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming SWAN @60 Diamond Jubilee Celebration. The inauguration, which took place at the Association’s national secretariat in Abuja, marks the beginning of activities towards commemorating six decades of excellence in sports journalism in Nigeria. Inaugurating the committee, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, charged its members to deliver on their mandate with dedication and unity of purpose. He emphasised that the success of the Diamond Jubilee rests largely on the LOC’s shoulders, assuring them of maximum support from the national secretariat. “The LOC carries the bigger responsibility in this Diamond Jubilee. The National Secretariat will provide the necessary support—logistics, mobility, and access—to ensure your work is seamless. Your selection is based on your track record, ability to perform, and proven capacity to deliver. Be assured, your efforts will be handsomely rewarded and remembered for generations,” he said. Mr. Benjamin further revealed that the Secretariat together with the Main Organising Committee (MOC) has already commenced stakeholder engagements and courtesy visits, while urging the LOC to hit the ground running. In his acceptance remarks, the LOC Chairman, Mr. Ben Ogbemudia, a Sports and Politics Editor with the New National Star expressed gratitude to the national leadership for the confidence reposed on the committee, pledging full commitment to deliver a memorable 60th anniversary celebration. “When I saw the caliber of people in this committee, I became confident that even if I slack, they will push me forward. We understand the gravity of this task—if we fail, we fail Nigerians, we fail the sports sector, and we fail ourselves. But by God’s grace, we will not fail,” he assured. The LOC also has veteran broadcaster Ms Anietie Patrick as Secretary. Other members include On Air Personality Sylvanus Ofekun, Assistant News Director with Arise News Ferdinand Duruoha, Sports writing Guru/Online Publisher Niyi Busari and Ace Media Strategist/ Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi. The Committee also includes Top Broadcast Official with Radio Nigeria Ndubueze Chidoka, SWAN Chairman FCT/Ace Broadcater Kelechi Onwudiwe, and Chukwunonso Arinzechi of Democracy Radio. Meanwhile, SWAN has also activated article 19 of its statutes to set-up a Special Awards Committee headed by Sports Wirting Guru and former Secretary of SWAN in Kano State Chapter Mr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji. The seven-man committee which has former SWAN Vice President, South-east, Ms Chigozie Chukwuleta as Secretary has mandate to galvanize and scrutinise deserving would-be awardees for the 60th anniversary. Other members of the Committee include former SWAN Vice President, North-east Mr. Jibo Zakari, Veteran Sports Journalist Mr. Eche Amos, SWAN Chairman Edo State Chapter Mr. Kehinde Osagiede, Ace Sports Journalist Mr Akintunde Akinsemola and SWAN Vice Chairman of FCT Mr. Victor Okoye. The SWAN @60 Diamond Jubilee, is set to celebrate the Association’s legacy, honour its past heroes, and project its vision for the future. The two-day event is scheduled for October 30 and 31, 2025 in Abuja.
