Tag: SWAN

Lagos state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated the National SWAN for the successful hosting of the association’s Diamond Jubilee.

The 60th anniversary was celebrated at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on October 31, 2025 with several Lagos-based sports journalists and other other stakeholders receiving different awards for their contributions to sports development in the last 60-years.

In a letter signed by the chapter’s Acting Chairman, Aron Akerejola, on behalf of members and stakeholders in Nigerian sports media, and directed to the president of the association, Mr. Benjamin Isaiah, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to the National SWAN for the successful hosting of the Association’s 60th Anniversary Celebration.

“Your leadership, under the able guidance of Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, has once again demonstrated unity, professionalism, and purpose — qualities that have kept SWAN as the most respected voice in African sports journalism,” Akerejola said.

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“The anniversary was not just a commemoration of the Association’s legacy, but also a reaffirmation of its continued relevance in shaping the nation’s sporting narrative.

“We particularly celebrate and congratulate some of the distinguished awardees, who are from Lagos State for their well-deserved recognitions and immense contributions to the growth of SWAN and sports development in Nigeria.

“The former Lagos state chairmen of the association, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, Tony Ubani, Niyi Oyeleke, Debo Oshundun, Fred Edoreh, Dr Larry Izamoje, Dr Mumini Alao, Onochie Anibeze, Mr. Ikedi Isiguzo, George Aluo, Adekunle Salami, Duro Ikhazuagbe, Morakinyo Abodunrin, Dare Esan, Godwin Enakhena, are all deserving of their awards.

“There were other former members of the executives of Lagos SWAN recognized during the awards night like Patrick Omorodion, who is currently the SWANECO chairman for the fast-approaching election of the chapter. Also included are Mr. Wale Joseph, Mr. Phemmy Adetula, Mrs Oluchi Tobechukwu, Mr. Toyin Ibitoye, Mr. Ralph Chidozie George.

“In the sports and reporting sector, one of the continent’s greatest footballers, late Teslim Balogun was given a post-houmous award while current Table Tennis legend, Aruna Quadri, also received an award alongside the Masters Sports Crew, led by Dr Mitchell Obi for their support for SWAN over the years.”

Speaking further, the acting Lagos state SWAN chairman, Mr Akerejola said the recognition of members and stakeholders from Lagos was a testament to decades of excellence, integrity, and dedication that has shaped the very foundation of sports journalism in Nigeria.

He added: “As the Association marks this milestone, may SWAN continue to grow in influence and purpose — inspiring the next generation of sports journalists to tell Nigeria’s story truthfully, with courage, and passion.

“Once again, congratulations to you, your executives, and all members nationwide for a celebration befitting the great legacy of SWAN.”

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has conferred a prestigious National Award on Heartland FC’s Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, in recognition of his immense contributions to football development and his enduring impact on Nigerian sports.

The announcement was made in a statement jointly signed by SWAN’s National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, after a recent press briefing held in Abuja.

According to the statement, the award is part of activities marking SWAN’s 60th Anniversary and celebrates individuals whose leadership, achievements, and influence have significantly advanced sports in Nigeria.

 “The conferment is in recognition of the national pride and glory you have brought to your fatherland. Nigerian sports writers owe it to thank you for your dedication and consistent contribution to football development,” the statement read.

Amuneke, a former African Footballer of the Year and one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians, has continued to inspire a new generation of players and coaches through his work with Heartland FC and other national assignments.

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In his reaction , Amuneke expressed deep appreciation to SWAN for the recognition, describing it as a call to continue serving Nigerian football with greater passion and commitment.

He also extended his appreciation to the management and players of Heartland FC, noting that their collective effort and belief in his vision for the club have been key to their recent progress.

“This honour is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone at Heartland — the management, the players, and our loyal fans. Together, we are rebuilding a club with a proud history and a bright future,” he added.

SWAN, in its statement, highlighted Amuneke’s illustrious career as both player and coach — from scoring Nigeria’s historic Olympic gold medal-winning goal in Atlanta 1996 to grooming young talents who have gone on to represent the country internationally.

The formal presentation of the SWAN Diamond Jubilee National Award will take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, today , October 31, at 1 p.m., with top dignitaries from the sporting community expected to attend.

By Olamilekan Israel

The Sports Writers Association Of Nigerian(SWAN) has  disclaimed Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde as members of its Lagos State chapter, following their suspension by  the National Executive Committee (NEC).

  According to a statement signed by Secretary General of SWAN, Mr Ikenna Okonkwo, the suspension which took immediate effect, was approved under Article 21,section(1) A and C of the Associations statute for acts of gross misconduct. The NEC instructed both individuals in-eligible to act in any capacity on behalf of SWAN

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  The national body warned security agencies with corporate partners and media organisations not to have anything doing with the suspended duo, describing their recent activities and purported elections illegal and of no  consequence.

SWAN reiterates that the Lagos chapter is currently under the co-ordination of the Acting Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, pending the time of outcome of the Independent Investigation Committee(IIC)inquiry. The Association pledged their continued co-operation with security authorities to uphold discipline and order within its ranks.

By Daniel Oyekan

The national leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing two suspended officials of its Lagos State’s  chapter of attempting to undermine lawful authority and intimidate members ahead of a planned “illegal election” in Lagos.

In a petition dated October 7, 2025, and signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, the association called on the DSS to intervene and stop the suspended officials, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, from conducting any election under the association’s name.

According to the petition, both individuals who previously served as chairman and secretary of the Lagos chapter remain indefinitely suspended from all SWAN activities for gross misconduct, insubordination, and sabotage of the association’s constitutional order.

The association alleged that the duo plan to stage an unauthorized election on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite formal notifications to law enforcement agencies about their suspension.

SWAN expressed alarm over reports that the suspended officials have been reaching out to security operatives in Lagos for backing, warning that such actions could lead to a breakdown of order within the state’s sporting media community.

 “It is deeply regrettable that despite prior notifications to security agencies, these individuals continue to parade themselves as officers of the association, issuing threats and attempting to mislead law enforcement into supporting their unlawful activities,” the petition stated.

The association further reminded the DSS of a previous confrontation during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, where Ms. Oladunni allegedly mobilized over 11 police vehicles and operatives to disrupt a peaceful gathering of sports journalists.

That incident, SWAN said, amounted to “an act of intimidation and gross abuse of privilege,” describing it as a brazen show of force that violated the spirit of civility and press freedom.

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In the petition, SWAN urged the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to call the suspended individuals to order and ensure that law enforcement neutrality is maintained in the internal affairs of professional associations.

The association demanded that security agencies: restrain the suspended officers from using state apparatus to intimidate members; instruct all DSS formations in Lagos to desist from providing any form of cover or endorsement for their planned activities; safeguard the peace and integrity of the sporting and journalistic community in Lagos.

Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the association described itself as a law-abiding, non-political professional body recognized by the National Sports Commission and registered under Nigerian laws.

 “We urge the esteemed offices of the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of DSS to ensure that the rule of law and organizational integrity are not subverted by desperate individuals acting in bad faith,” the petition added.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, Lagos State Command, SWAN South West Vice President, SWAN South West Secretary, Acting Chairman of SWAN Lagos, and the Chairman of the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO).

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.

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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

The Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has rejected the imposed leadership of Olatutu Oladunni-led executive, insisting on a fresh election as soon as possible in line with the resolution of the 2024 SWAN full council meeting which dissolved all executive bodies and ordered for a fresh election in Lagos SWAN Chapter.

In a letter to the National SWAN Executive, the Lagos SWAN stakeholders commended the current leadership for its efforts in addressing the challenges inherited from the previous administration under Honour Sirawoo, but expressed concerns that the reconciliation process in Lagos has not followed the precedent set in Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory.

Beyond the unconstitutional emergence of Olatutu’s leadership, the members asserted that leadership imposed without a legitimate election cannot enjoy the support of the majority.

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Stakeholders questioned why Lagos SWAN’s case was being handled differently. Citing the legal principle of stare decisis—which asserts that similar cases should be resolved in the same manner—they urged the national leadership to ensure consistency in decision-making.

Lagos SWAN said pending the implementation of the decision from the apex decision-making body of SWAN, status quo must be maintained. The members alleged that there are no clear plans for a credible election and insisted they would not participate in any electoral process unless the National SWAN takes full responsibility for the organisation of a fresh election.

While reaffirming their commitment to peace, they stressed the importance of due process to prevent further leadership crises within the association.

Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) Cross River State Chapter have praised the efforts of Governor Bassey Otu in repositioning the state for sporting glory.

The Chairman of the SWAN Election Committee, Comrade Isoni Isoni made the commendation during a visit to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,  Nsa Gill in Calabar.

Isoni noted that the impact of the Otu Administration in revitalizing the sports sector was noticeable in the systematic support provided for state’s  athletes to participate in various national and international sports events.

He also lauded Governor Otu for facilitating the upgrade of facilities at the Calabar Golf Club, which will enable the Club meet international standards.

Isoni said the Association was confident that within the shortest possible time, the State will regain its lost glory in sports.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor for increasing the monthly subvention to the Rovers of Calabar, saying this will motivate the team for better performance.

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The SWANECO Chairman informed the Chief Press Secretary of the forthcoming SWAN Delegates Conference in the State which will feature the election of a new Executive Council for the State Chapter of the Association.

Gill, in his response, expressed delight over the visit, assuming that he was prepared to give the necessary support for a successful Delegates Conference, advising members of SWAN in the State to ensure that they comport themselves in a matured manner and elect a new Executive Council that will move the Association to the next level.

He thanked the Association for the words of encouragement for the Governor, assuring that the Governor will do more for sports in the State.

President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ( SWAN),  Isaiah Benjamin , said that the umbrella body of sports writers in Nigeria  decided to partner with Newstap Communication to recognize eminent Nigerians who have contributed to  the development of sports in the country because of the integrity of the company and the personalities chosen for the award.

Newstap Communication in partnership with SWAN , will on  27^th February in Lagos,  honour five eminent Nigerians who have reshaped the country’s sports ecosystem.

Speaking on the award, Benjamin described the awardees as highly qualified, adding no sports stakeholder in the country will question the criteria used in their selection because of their established pedigrees.

He said: ” When my administration came on board, one of our cardinal points as  critical stakeholders in the country’s sports, is to  encourage  the recognition of  those that have  contributed meaningfully to the development of the country’s sports and this award met our criteria.

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” When you look at the nominees for the award, you’ll agree with me that they’re eminently qualified to be recognized. Look at what the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hycinth Alia is doing in sports infrastructural development in the state or the turnaround Bar. John Paul Edeh  has brought to the Benue State Football Association since he became the Chairman, you will agree with me that  they deserve the award.

“Also take a look at what the strategic partners of NPFL, GTI Assets Management and Trust  Limited has invested in the country’s Premier League under a space of two years and the positive effect such investment is having on the country’s football.

In the case of Honourable, Kunle Soname, he needs no introduction in the country’s sports development and then Ebi Egbe of Monimichelle Facilities Construction Company, whose company is doing marvellously well in stadia construction not only in Nigeria but the entire African continent ,” he stressed

The SWAN helmsman noted that SWAN is  happy partnering with Newstap, one of the leading online medium in the country; saying that the award will serve as a reference point in future awards in the country.