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Eid-el-Fitr: SWAN Congratulates Muslims On Successful Ramadan, Sallah Celebration

Our Reporters5 days ago5 days ago02 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, said the sallah celebration signifies greater exploits ahead while calling for sustained prayers and commitment to peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. “Let’s continue to be our brother’s keepers. Islam is known for peace and harmony. It has been a dedicated Holy month of prayers and devotion. It is now incumbent on all to extend the good deeds, kindness, and pious hearts beyond this period as commanded by Allah and exemplified by prophet Muhammad (S A.W),” he said. President Benjamin wished Muslims a fresh moment of joy and ecstasy in greater fulfillment. He said, “As Muslims celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, we extend our warmest wishes to all our Muslim brothers and sisters, mostly within the sporting media and the entire sports fraternity. “May this season of love, gratitude, and togetherness bring you abundant blessings, prosperity, and fulfillment. “Eid Mubarak! May this celebration open doors to greater opportunities for all of us now and always.” The President of SWAN also said, “Just as Eid symbolises new beginnings and blessings, SWAN remains committed to fresh heights of excellence and renewed vigour in leading a robust sports developmental path in Nigeria and beyond.”

SWAN partners Nigeria Customs ahead of African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has pledged full media support for the upcoming African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, set to take place in Abuja from April 1-14, 2025. In a courtesy visit led by SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, discussions centered on fostering a productive working relationship to amplify the championship’s impact and promote volleyball’s growth in Nigeria. The NCS volleyball team, Nigeria’s sole representative, is eager to improve on its fourth-place finish in 2021 and aims to leverage home advantage to make history as both hosts and potential champions. The Nigeria Customs Service, as the sole sponsor of the event, has committed significant resources to ensure a world-class tournament, making it the first-ever African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship hosted in the region. Speaking on behalf of the SWAN President, Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo praised the Customs Service for taking the bold step to bring Africa’s top club volleyball tournament to Nigeria. “This is a historic moment for Nigerian sports. Hosting an event of this magnitude is a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to sports development. As the sporting media, we are proud to partner with Customs to ensure this championship gets the visibility it deserves, both locally and internationally,” Okonkwo stated. FCT SWAN Chairman, Kelechi Onwudiwe, assured that the sporting press in the capital city would fully mobilise to give the event maximum coverage, working together with the SWAN National leadership. “We are committed to delivering a viral championship, one that will showcase the passion and dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service and its Comptroller General. This partnership goes beyond the championship; it is a foundation for a stronger relationship between Customs and the sporting media,” Onwudiwe emphasised. Responding, NCS Comptroller General CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the vital role of the media in making the championship a success. “We are not just hosting this championship; we are aiming to make history. With SWAN as a strategic media partner, we are confident that this event will leave a lasting impact. Beyond volleyball, we look forward to a sustained working relationship with the sporting media for the promotion of various sports under Customs,” the CG said. With this landmark collaboration, SWAN and the Nigeria Customs Service are set to make the 2025 African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship a defining moment for Nigerian sports. The SWAN delegation also included FCT SWAN Vice Chairman Victor Okoye, FCT SWAN Secretary Samuel Ahmadu, and FCT SWAN Welfare Officer Joan Iwuchukwu.

SWAN felicitates with Christians on Christmas Day

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Christians, particularly the sporting media on the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, known as Christmas. SWAN in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Wednesday December 25, 2024, noted the day affords Christians opportunity not just to merry but to reflect on the personality of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The SWAN President then urged Nigerians to cheer-up at this time and always, bearing in mind that the challenges facing mankind are only momentary. He said, “A day like this should remind us of the essence of the celebration of Christmas. It’s a day to reflect and take stock with a view to find solace going forward. “Despite economic and other challenges facing mankind, the living joy posits that there is always hope for better times ahead.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria also enjoined Christians to share and rejoice with all as Jesus Christ exemplified while he lived on earth and through his teachings. “Christmas is also a time of sharing with one another no matter how small. We should endeavour to reach out to our neighbours, friends, loved ones, colleagues and all strata of persons around us, irrespective of tribe and religion as is in Jesus Christ nature and teachings. “Let us use this period as an opportunity to sacrifice, tough times notwithstanding, just as we promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society,” he said. President Benjamin also prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection for all SWAN members nationwide and globally at this period and ahead of coming 2025.

SWAN inaugurates Planning and Finance Committee for Diamond Jubilee Celebration

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

As preparations intensify for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Diamond Jubilee Celebration next year, the association has inaugurated its Planning and Finance Committee to spearhead financial planning and mobilisation efforts for the historic event. The committee, chaired by Ogun State SWAN chairman Mr. Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji and FCT SWAN scribe as the Secretary, comprises individuals of proven integrity and capacity who have been carefully selected to deliver on this significant assignment. The members are Mr. Leonard Oru (FCT), Mr. Eche Amos (Nasarawa), Princess Ekwi Ajide (FCT), Mr. Suleiman Adebayo – Pooja (Lagos), Mr. Tobi Adepoju (Lagos), Mr. Ndubueze Chidoka (FCT), Mr. Cyril Dum Wite (Rivers), Mr. Cosmos Chukwuemeka (Imo), Mr. Joel Duku, Alhaji Idris Malikawa (Kano), Mr. Sam Adesoji (Plateau), Mr. Kuti Dare (Kwara), Mr. Thomas Abirhire (Delta), and Mr. Femi Amusan (Oyo). Speaking during the inauguration held virtually on Saturday, November 16, 2024, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin commended the members for their acceptable and readiness to serve the noble association. He said, “We have assembled people of trusted integrity and proven capacity to deliver. It took us time to carefully select the members of this committee because we recognize their abilities. Thank you for accepting to serve in this important role. “I wish you all successful deliberations and commendable execution of this task. This is the first of its kind, and we trust your commitments to make it a well-remembered milestone in SWAN’s history,” the added. SWAN Secretary General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, corroborated the president, added, “This committee represents the backbone of our Diamond Jubilee Celebration. We are confident they will exceed expectations and set a new benchmark for excellence in SWAN events.” The Chairman of the Planning and Finance Committee, Mr. Ogunsiji, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “This is a great responsibility, and I appreciate the trust placed in us. We are committed to delivering an event that will reflect the legacy and growth of SWAN.” The Planning and Fundraising Committee is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, marking 60 years of SWAN’s impactful contributions to sports journalism in Nigeria.

SWAN congratulates Olopade as DG Sports Commission, Super Eagles

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated Hon. Bukola Olopade on his appointment as the Director-General of National Sports Commission (NSC). In a letter to the new NSC DG dated November 15, 2024, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, described the appointment of Olopade as a round peg in a round hole. Benjamin expressed confidence that with the indepth knowledge and experience of Olopade over the years in the Nigeria’s Sports, the sector is about to excel more than ever before. The number sports writer in Nigeria is also optimistic that the combination of the new NSC DG and the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, will take Nigerian Sports to greater heights. Part of thr letter to Olapade reads, “No doubt your appointment is a testament of your unwavering commitment to sports development in Nigeria. “As sporting media, we are quite optimistic in your ability to make remarkable impact within Nigerian sporting architecture as we assure you of our support as always. Being a friend of the media, we believe our partnership will continue to be strengthened as you creatively evolve a progressive and sustainable grassroots development strategy for Nigeria’s Sports. “Also, we assure of our readiness to support you, just as we always play our watchdog role in highlighting areas the present administration could explore in reviving the huge sporting sector.” Meanwhile, SWAN has commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria for it’s renewed commitment which ensured that they clinched the ticket to 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. SWAN in a statement on Friday said the team’s early qualification is a testament of a well orchestrated plan and cooperation by relevant stakeholders including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Technical Crew and Players of Super Eagles. “SWAN welcomes the qualification of Super Eagles to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without breaking sweat. This goes to show the quality of the current Super Eagles coupled with the level of organisation by the Nigeria Football Federation,” the SWAN President said. President Benjamin then urged NFF hierarchy and all concerned to ensure early and efficient preparation of Super Eagles to the Nations Cup scheduled for Morocco, adding, “having won AFCON three times in history and finishing second best in 2023 edition, it’s time to push harder to win the fourth laurel in Morocco.” The 2025 AFCON is scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

SWAN celebrates Nimrod’s emergence as CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission President

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated Engr. Musa Nimrod on his appointment as the President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission. In a letter dated November 2 by the Secretary-General of the Association, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, described Engr. Nimrod’s emergence as deserving following his years of dedication and drive in ensuring the development of Beach Volleyball in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. Mr. Benjamin said the newly appointed Beach Volleyball Commission President in Africa has over the years remained consistent in using Volleyball and sports in general to touch lives, especially that of the young people. Part of the letter reads, “Your dedication in developing Volleyball right from grassroots is gradually paying off as stakeholders beyond Nigeria are eager to tap from your wealth of experience. “Indeed, you are one top Sports Administrator who has remained passionate and consistent to the extent of using your personal resources in driving Volleyball development everywhere and at all times. “We are hopeful that this new elevation will propel you to continue to make impact in all frontiers. And beyond Volleyball, you will rise to the pinnacle of your career and other life endeavours.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria also prayed God to grant Engr. Nimrod who is also the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, steady wisdom and strength in his new assignment.

SWAN congratulates Shehu Dikko, hails Tinubu for returning to National Sports Commission

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has hailed the emergence of astute administrator, Mallam Shehu Dikko, as the Chairman of the newly reinstated National Sports Commission (NSC). In a congratulatory letter to the NSC helmsman dated October 23, 2024, signed by the Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, described Mallam Dikko as an experienced and hardworking sports doyen who has proven himself over the years. Part of the letter reads, “SWAN as a professional body celebrates your emergence as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission. Your appointment is a strong indication that the Sports sector will soon experience huge relief from the current burden of ineffectiveness and inefficiencies. “As a known Sports personality, you are not a stranger in the system, both within Nigeria, Africa and beyond. Having undertaken previous responsibilities and delivered outstandingly, your new position as the number one man on the saddle presents new opportunity for you to once again prove your mettle as a team player. “As sporting media, we are quite optimistic in your ability to turn things around as we assure you of our support as always. Being a friend of the media, we believe our partnership will continue to be strengthened as you creatively evolve a progressive and sustainable grassroots development strategy for Nigeria’s Sports.” Meanwhile, the SWAN President has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his apt initiative in reinstating the NSC years after it was jettisoned by his predecessor. The number one sports writer in a statement on Thursday in Abuja said the action of the President is a clear demonstration of his determination to revolutionise Nigeria’s sporting architecture. “This single approach to Nigeria’s Sports Development back with immediate action shows that our President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is headed towards the right direction in returning the lost glory of Nigeria among the comity of Nations as far as Sports sector is concerned. “Sports as second most viable economic growth option globally after ICT requires intense funding and attention as it gives teeming youth the opportunity to be engaged, empowered as well as thrive in their chosen area of endeavours,” he said.

Kidnapped journalists regain freedom

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago03 mins

Kidnapped Sport journalists have regained freedom, Trendbrio.com have reliably gathered. The media men, according to a statement issued by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), were kidnapped on their way to cover the AFCON 2025 qualifier in Uyo. The SWAN statement reads; “We want to inform our Teeming Members across Nigeria and beyond that some of the Sports Journalists who were earlier kidnapped on their way to cover the first leg of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Super Eagles and Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo, have been released. “The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and indeed SWAN National Secretariat after making necessary contacts immediately our colleagues were abducted around Anambra/Imo axis, have been reliably informed of their release following pressure by the proactive Nigerian Security Operatives on the Kidnappers. “SWAN therefore commends the Security Operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army and Police for their prompt action which ensured that up to six of the held Sports Journalists regained their freedom with efforts to get the remaining person freed. “The rescued Media Practitioners, mostly Camera/Photojournalists are now on their way to either reunite with families or move on with other official duties. “We urge our members to remain calm and without fear in the discharge of their professional duties while maintaining regular communication with the various SWAN State Chapters’ Leadership for any formal purposes. @Also, be assured that the National Leadership of SWAN is committed to your welfare and overall well-being with uttermost regards as always.”