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Tag: SWAN

SWAN Disowns Illegal Lagos Election, Petitions IGP, DSS Over Misuse of Security Personnel

Fola Badmus05 mins

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has strongly disowned and condemned the purported election set to be organised in Lagos by suspended members of the association, describing it as illegal, null and void, and a deliberate act of sabotage against the integrity of the body. The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives. In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association. The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.   In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate. SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members. “The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.” The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order. SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations. Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.” “The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.” The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.

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SWAN Suspends Impostor Lagos SWAN Chairman, Secretary

Fola Badmus04 mins

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has suspended the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni, and Secretary, Mr. Bello Omotunde Muritala, from all Association’s activities with immediate effect. The decision announced in a letter to them, with copies to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, dated Thursday October 2, 2025, followed findings of gross misconduct, as the decision was taken in line with Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute. The National Leadership directed both Olatutu and Bello to hand over all Association’s property and documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter’s leadership, with the Vice Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, now on the saddle to see off the current State Executive Committee tenure. Part of the letter to IGP and other top law enforcement officials in the country, reads, “We write to formally notify you that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has ratified the suspension of Olatutu Oladunni and Bello Omotunde Muritala from all activities of the association. “The decision of NEC is in line with SWAN statutory provision Article 21, number (1) A and C, following their various acts of misconduct. “By this notification, both persons have been directed to stay away from all issues, events, meetings, forum etc concerning SWAN immediately. “They are also instructed to submit all SWAN property/documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter Leadership now led by Aaron Akerejola, the acting Chairman in line with SWAN statutory provision, being that the Vice Chairman takes over in the absence of the Chairman. “They are not also meant to be seen in or around SWAN Secretariat located inside the National Stadium Lagos, Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja or any other SWAN office or Secretariat in any part of Nigeria. “Also, members of the public are by this notice advised not to transact any business or have any relationship regarding SWAN with any of the suspended persons as listed in this correspondence.” The SWAN NEC also suspended all electoral activities by the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO) in the Chapter and revealed that further directive will be public in due course.

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SWAN Relaxes Nationwide Boycott, Opens Door for Dialogue with NFF

Fola Badmus03 mins

The National Leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has relaxed its earlier directive to boycott all activities of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following assurances that there are no immediate plans to amend its Statutes at the 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA). SWAN, which had expressed strong concerns over its exclusion from the statutory structure of the NFF Congress, said the latest clarification by the Federation provides a fresh opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue for the overall good of Nigerian football. SWAN in a statement by the President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, said it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian football through responsible media advocacy, and as such, will always embrace dialogue where sincerity and transparency are evident. “Our position has always been about inclusivity and respect for the role of sports media as critical stakeholders in Nigerian football. Having carefully considered the NFF’s recent statement, we are willing to relax our boycott directive and open the door for dialogue, in the hope that this process will lead to lasting reforms that strengthen governance and representation in the Federation,” the SWAN President said. He noted that while the clarification from the NFF provides some relief, SWAN will continue to engage actively in ensuring that the media constituency is recognised and integrated into decision-making structures in line with global best practices and the provisions of Nigeria’s national sports policies. President Benjamin added that SWAN looks forward to participating in open consultations and workshops as part of efforts to build a more inclusive and transparent football administration, stressing that the Association’s ultimate concern remains the development and credibility of Nigerian football and other sports in the country. “We are optimism that both bodies can now work together in good faith, to advance reforms that will guarantee inclusivity and restore public confidence in the governance of Nigerian football,” he said.

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SWAN Condemns NFF Exclusion, Orders Nationwide Boycott of Federation’s AGA, Other Activities

Fola Badmus04 mins

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has directed all its members across the country to withdraw from covering or participating in any activity of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including the forthcoming Annual General Assembly (AGA) scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, jointly signed by the SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin and the Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the Association expressed outrage over the deliberate and persistent exclusion of SWAN from the statutory composition of the NFF Congress. SWAN described the action of the NFF leadership as “unacceptable, retrogressive, and an affront to the role of the sporting media in national football development.” SWAN also wondered why the Federation’s leadership has continued playing the ostrich in crucial matters that would ensure seamless development of football in Nigeria. “The media is a critical tripod in the growth of sports globally. SWAN, as the professional body coordinating sports media in Nigeria, has consistently engaged the NFF leadership on the need to restore our rightful place within its Congress. Unfortunately, while claiming to expand its Congress, the Federation has chosen to sideline us, a move that is both short-sighted and detrimental to Nigerian football,” The statement said. SWAN recalled that despite the Association’s consistent efforts to foster cooperation with the NFF since the emergence of the present leadership, the Federation has remained obstinate, employing divisive and destructive approaches in the management of Nigerian football. SWAN noted that Nigeria’s football fortunes continue to nosedive despite the enormous financial and institutional support the NFF receives from the Federal Government, state governments, and corporate sponsors. “The continued decline of Nigerian football is a direct result of maladministration. It is time to put a decisive end to this dangerous trend. Nigeria cannot afford to watch its most cherished sport deteriorate under avoidable circumstances,” the statement said. The Association also made it clear that all SWAN members nationwide are henceforth instructed to refrain from covering or publicising any NFF activity, including the Ibadan AGA. “A task force will be set up to ensure strict enforcement of this directive, while the Association simultaneously begins a thorough investigation and public exposure of the maladministration and backward practices that have become synonymous with the Federation’s operations which cost the country’s back-to-back World Cup qualification failures,” the statement said. SWAN reiterated that the exclusion of the sporting media from the highest decision-making body of Nigerian football is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. “The Association stands resolute in defending its role as a critical stakeholder in the nation’s football ecosystem,” the statement added.

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SWAN @60: LOC, Special Awards Committees Take-off Ahead Of Epoch Anniversary

Fola Badmus05 mins

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.

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SWAN Demands Immediate Inauguration of National Sports Commission Board

Fola Badmus05 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to immediately inaugurate its 17-member governing board. Established in 1964, SWAN, the umbrella body for all Sports Editors, Reporters, Producers, and Presenters, warned that the Commission is operating in gross violation of its establishing law with the delay of a properly constituted NSC board. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, said the Commission has been functioning without a statutory board since its creation in October 2024, contrary to the NSC Establishment Act 2023. “As a statutory board member of the NSC, I’m compelled to urge the Chairman and Director-General to take all necessary steps to inaugurate the board without further delay,” President Benjamin said. “Operating without a duly constituted board for nearly a year is not only a breach of the law but also undermines transparency and accountability.” He said Section 2(1) of the Act “is very clear” on the composition of the board, which includes representatives from ministries, sports bodies, the organised private sector, academia, medical field, military, persons with disabilities, the Nigeria Football Federation, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, and SWAN. “There is no lawful way to run the National Sports Commission without a properly constituted board. “All major decisions made since October 2024 lack legal backing in the absence of the board,” he added. The SWAN President also linked the situation to a wider pattern of governance lapses in Nigerian sports, citing ongoing litigation involving the Nigeria Football Federation and controversies surrounding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria elections. “The NSC cannot continue to function as a two-man entity – comprising only the Chairman and the Director-General – while 15 other constitutionally mandated positions remain unfilled. “This issue will remain on the front burner until the law is obeyed,” he warned. SWAN further lamented the neglect of the association in the scheme of operations, particularly in overseeing the engagement of experienced, qualified, and skilled Communication Managers to handle media operations of various sports federations. According to President Benjamin, this would “complement the service of the NSC, enhance promotion, and boost the digital marketability of sports for sponsorship drives.” He added, “Ignoring SWAN’s expertise in this regard is a missed opportunity to leverage professional sports journalism for national sports growth.” SWAN also noted that a situation where National and International events are carried out unilaterally without necessary inputs by the  professional sports media body was unacceptable. “One of the major reasons why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his wisdom approved a National Sports Commission is to enable accelerated and holistic growth and development of Sports in Nigeria. What obtained in the past when sports was under Ministry or bureaucratic encumbrances is supposed to be a thing of the past with the emergence of NSC. “A situation where unnecessary political/non-professional application or approach is deployed in the day-to-day operations of the Sports Commission is by far not the way to go,” the statement said.

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SWAN Congratulates Malikawa, Musa On Kano Pillars’ Appointments

Fola Badmus43 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated one of its National Leaders, Alhaji Idris Malikawa Garu, who was recently appointed into the management board of Kano Pillars FC. SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin in a statement on Tuesday through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb Ikenna Okonkwo, also hailed the appointment of Football Star and Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, as the club’s General Manager. President Benjamin noted that the latest decision of Kano State Government in the pilot of Kano Pillars’ leadership affairs is both apt and forward-looking. He said, “The latest announcement by the Kano State Government regarding the management board of Kano Pillars, with the inclusion of professionals, is a cheering one. “As Sports Journalists, we have keenly observed the reaction of teeming Nigerian football lovers (Kano Pillars fans and others) since the appointments were made few days ago, most persons have been saying a lot of good things. “Idris Malikawa and Ahmed Musa are among prominent sports personalities in the board and we believe that their presence will certainly make the difference for Kano Pillars desirous of returning to the peak of performance as long as domestic and continental engagements are concerned.” The Number One Sports Writer in Nigeria then urged them to redouble their efforts in realising the lofty desires of the Kano State Government, Kano Pillars and their followers. While calling for improved Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in the coming season, the President of SWAN assured that the Sporting Media will continuously play its watchdog role with a view to contributing meaningfully to growth of Nigeria Football.

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SWAN Wants FG To Immortalise Ex-Super Eagles’ Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed grief over the demise of Super Eagles legendary goalkeeper Peter ‘Dodo Mayana’ Rufai. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, described Rufai as a patriot who made Nigeria proud as his legacies linger. The number one Sports Writer in Nigeria while remembering the footprints of hardwork, dedication and abundant results credited to Rufai over the years, called on the Federal Government to make plans to immortalise the late Sage in any memorable way possible. “It’s our desire and I believe that of entire Nigerians that immortalising Peter Rufai will among other things serve as a source of inspiration for younger generation,” he said. President Benjamin then commiserated with his immediate family members, football and entire sports fraternity for the loss of a rare soccer figure. He said, “On behalf of the entire Sporting Media in Nigeria, I wish to commiserate with the family, and indeed concerned Football and Sports Stakeholders over the death of our legend. “Yes, Peter Rufai served Nigeria meritorious, mostly during his playing days, but I fill his advice and experience were still needed for a more prosperous sports development, but the reason for his departure from this side of life at this time is only known or determined by God Almighty. “May his soul continuously find rest in eternity.” Rufai’s life time, especially in his active playing days as a footballer is one filled with numerous success stories. From the clubs he featured for, to the Senior Men National team, he made an indelible impacts which will hardly be forgotten.

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