The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Global Television have pledged strong support to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) ahead of its 60th/Diamond Jubilee Anniversary scheduled for October 30 to 31, 2025. While receiving both the SWAN National Leadership and Local Organising Committee (LOC) ahead of SWAN @60/Diamond Jubilee Anniversary on behalf of the Director-General (DG) of NTA, the General Manager of NTA Sports, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, described the forthcoming epoch event as a milestone not just for the association, but for Nigerian sports journalism. “The importance of SWAN to this association cannot be overemphasised,” he said. “Our DG has always maintained that anytime SWAN requires our support, we will gladly render it. As we prepare for the diamond jubilee, we are happy to be part of this journey. Everything you have said today will be reported back to him, and he is waiting to hear your plans and areas where we can collaborate.” He commended the LOC chairman, Ben Ogbemudia, for accepting the responsibility of leading the committee, noting that his experience and commitment to the growth of sports journalism would ensure a memorable event. “We trust your capacity to deliver, and we look forward to seeing a celebration that will make history,” he added. Earlier, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, who led the delegation, expressed appreciation to the NTA management for its consistent support. He recalled the assurances given by the DG when he assumed office. “From the very beginning, he told us his doors would always remain open to us, and I can tell you for free, he has kept that promi. That is why anytime I’m in Abuja, I make it a point of duty to come here — not just as a professional visit but to also learn from a senior colleague who has been there before us,” he said. The SWAN President outlined activities lined up for the 60th anniversary, scheduled to hold in Abuja from October 29 to 31, 2026. “We have already kick-started with thanksgiving services. By October this year, members from across the country will converge in Abuja. There will be symposium, paper presentations, a novelty football match, our full council meeting, the launch of the SWAN House project, as well as awards and gala night,” he explained. He also appealed for continued collaboration with NTA to give national visibility to the celebration, adding, “We are here to seek necessary partnership and assistance. We cannot do this alone. Corporate organisations like NTA can be a tremendous help, particularly in media coverage and promotion. We sincerely commend what NTA has been doing in sports development, and we are hopeful of your partnership in making SWAN@60 a grand success.” Benjamin further revealed that the Diamond jubilee event would serve as a moment of reflection for SWAN. “Sixty years of existence is not a small feat. This celebration gives us the opportunity to look back at our achievements, acknowledge areas where we need improvement, and re-commit to sports as a gateway to development in Nigeria,” he said. Also, the SWAN delegation were at the Abuja Headquarters of Global TV to intimate its management team of the upcoming SWAN 60th celebration. Speaking, the acting Managing Director of the rising broadcast outfit, Aisha Musa Larai, congratulated SWAN for its exploits and assured of support. While highlighting the crucial role Sports Writers play in Nigeria’s development, Aisha Larai said the media are pacesetters in any society in need of meaningful impact. Secretary-General of SWAN, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, who stood for the President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, commended the management of Global TV for amazing footprints within the brief time the media organisation has existed. While highlighting SWAN 60th Anniversary timelines, he added it would also feature interfaith (Muslim and Christian) special prayers/services nationwide to underscore the role of God in the journey of the association since its establishment in 1964. The visit ended on a cordial note, with assurances from both sides that the partnerships would be strengthened as the countdown to the anniversary begins.
