The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has pledged his continued support for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

He made this commitment on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, when the SWAN President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, led members of the national executive to present him with an associate membership card at his office in Asaba.

“I’ll close ranks with you; I’ll continue to give my support. For your wishes, I pray to grow higher, but I know God is the one that gives power and elevates people. If He says this is the direction I should go, I’ll say thank you to God. Thank you, Mr. President, for your wishes, and I trust that God will grant some of them,” Guwor said.

Visibly delighted with the membership card, the Speaker expressed gratitude for the honor, stating that sports had always been a personal passion.

“When I joked last year that I was already a member of SWAN, I never imagined it would become a reality. I’m proud to be honored in this way and to receive this award of excellence. I won’t take it for granted,” he said.

He noted that the Delta Assembly had actively engaged in sports, particularly football, with members participating in competitions for the past two years.

“Unfortunately, this year we lost to the executive arm. But as an associate member of SWAN, let me assure you I’ll continue to work closely with you all,” he added.

Guwor further likened SWAN’s gesture to biblical gratitude, referencing the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, where only one returned to give thanks. “I never expected you to return to thank me for attending your national convention last year. I did it out of free will, not expecting anything. I’m deeply grateful,” he said.

Earlier, SWAN President Benjamin praised the Speaker for his consistent support of sports in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. He explained that the visit had three objectives: to thank the Speaker for his past support, to formally present him with an associate membership card, and to honor him with an award of excellence.

“Honour should be given to whom it is due. We have assessed and found you deserving of this award. SWAN does not hand out awards lightly, they are based on merit,” Benjamin emphasized.

He concluded by affirming Delta State’s continued leadership in sports development, both nationally and across the continent, with the backing of stakeholders like the Speaker.