First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and some state governors are among top dignitaries expected at the anniversary and awards ceremony of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), scheduled to take place between the 30th and 31st of October in commemoration of the association’s 60th anniversary.
Speaking at a world press conference to herald the event, SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, said the celebration has become necessary as it provides an opportunity for journalists to celebrate themselves and their various partners.
Benjamin said the two-day event will kick off with the Full Council meeting of the association, which comprises all state chairmen, 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 patrons of the association later on Day One.
However, before the event week, there will be a Jumat service on Friday for Muslim faithful, while Christians will observe a Thanksgiving service on Sunday in commemoration 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, including journalists, athletes, coaches, and administrators,” he said.
In her goodwill message, Kemi Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Information and Public Relations at the National Sports Commission (NSC), assured of the full participation of the NSC at the event.
Ajayi, who recalled the long-standing 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 Organising Committee (LOC), Ben Ogbemudia, while giving insight into the event, said adequate arrangements had been made to ensure that all invited guests are well received.
In his remarks, Secretary of the Main Organising 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.
Also, Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji, Chairman of the Awards Committee for SWAN at 60, noted that the awards align with the statutes of SWAN.
He said there are three categories of awardees, including active athletes such as Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan; retired stars like Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha; and posthumous honorees such as Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and Shuaibu Amodu.
SWAN is the umbrella body of all sports writers in Nigeria.