Remi Tinubu, governors, DSP, others set for SWAN 60th anniversary and awards

By Jude Opara, Abuja

First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau and some state governors are part of top dignitaries expected at the Anniversary and Awards of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) scheduled to take place between 30 and 31 of October in commomoration of the 60th anniversary of the association.

Speaking at a world press conference to herald the event, SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin said the celebration has become necessary because it is worthy for the journalists to find time to celebrate themselves and their various partners.

Benjamin said the two-day event will kickoff with the Full Council meeting of the association, which comprises all the state chairmen and secretaries and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

He added that the Full Council meeting will begin in the morning before the investiture of the patrons of the association later on the Day One.

However, before the event week, there will be Jumat Service on Friday by Muslims faithful while the Christians will observe their Thanksgiving service on Sunday, in commomoration of the celebration.

“It has become imperative for us as sports writers to also find time to celebrate ourselves, as well as our friends who have in no small way contributed to the development of sports in the country. There are over 200 nominees outside the journalists, athletes, coaches and administrators”.

In her goodwill message, Kemi Kehinde Ajayi, Director Information and Public Relations of the National Sports Commission (NSC) assured of the full participation of the NSC at the event.

Ajayi who recalled the age long cordial working relationship between SWAN and the NSC said the two bodies have continued to work harmoniously for the growth and development of sports in the country.

Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Ben Ogbemudia while giving an insight into the event said there are adequate arrangements already put in place to ensure that all the invited guests were made to feel at home.

In his remarks, Secretary of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and Secretary of the FCT chapter of SWAN, Samuel Adeleke said there will be lectures on the way forward for sports development in Nigeria as part of the celebration.

In his remarks, Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji, Chairman of the Awards Committee of the SWAN at 60 celebration, noted that the Awards is in line with the Statute of SWAN.

He said there are three categories of awardees, including athletes that are still active like Victor Osimhen, Tobi Amosun and those that have retired, like Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha. There are also the posthumous awards for people like Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu.

SWAN is the umbrella body of all Sports Writers in Nigeria.