By Amaechi Agbo
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to welcome leading figures in sports, government and the media as its 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress gets underway in Kaduna on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
The Congress, which runs from August 26 to 29, has as its theme: “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Competitiveness.”
Among the dignitaries invited for the event are Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade; Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; Senators Abdul Ningi, Shehu Sani, the Federal Character Commission Executive Chairman, Honorable Ayo Omidiran, and Sunday Marshall Katung.
Also expected are the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr Habu Gumel; Nigeria Volleyball Federation President, Engr. Musa Nimrod; Anambra State FA Chairman, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi; Kano State FA Chairman, Alhaji Dr. Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan; and Kaduna State FA Chairman, Hon. Faisal Abdullahi.
Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, Chairman of the FCT Football Association, will serve as Chairman of the occasion, while representatives and presidents of several national sports federations including the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, are also expected at the Congress.
SWAN patrons, veterans and former national officers will equally be part of the gathering. They include former SWAN Presidents Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Sir Stephen Alabi, Chief Fan Ndubuoke, Sani Zaria, Sa’idu Abubakar, Olu Amadasun and former AIPS Africa President, Dr. Mitchel Obi.
The programme proper will begin on Thursday, August 27, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 11am, followed by sporting and recreational activities from 3pm.
Attention will shift to the business of the Association on Friday, August 28, with the SWAN Full Council meeting scheduled for 10am. The election and inauguration of national officers will follow at 12 noon, while social activities will begin from 4pm.
Ahead of the two-day main programme, members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO), as well as state chairmen and secretaries are expected to arrive in Kaduna on Wednesday, August 26. Screening of contestants for the national election is scheduled for 7pm the same day.
Delegates and guests are expected to depart Kaduna on Saturday, August 29.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, said the Congress will provide an opportunity for sports journalists from across Nigeria to deliberate on issues affecting the profession and the Association while strengthening the relationship between the media and key stakeholders in Nigerian sports.
The Congress will also recognise selected individuals for their contributions, with Mr. Rajan Zaka, Director of Finance and Administration and Ahidiayannem FC President Dr. Robert Onyeani, and Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran among the listed award recipients. The Federal Character Commission Chairperson is to be investitured as the first Matron of SWAN on Thursday.
The National Secretariat and hosts Kaduna SWAN said all arrangements are in place to receive delegates and guests in Kaduna for the triennial gathering.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
