The Emergency SWAN Full Council Virtual Meeting, which was presided over by the SWAN National President, Isaiah Benjamin, had in attendance 30 State SWAN Chairmen and Secretaries, including the FCT as well as NEC members.
At the end of deliberations on Saturday, October 12, 2024, the SWAN Full Council resolved as follows:
- Full Council members, in their various goodwill messages, commended SWAN under the leadership of President Isaiah Benjamin for its pivotal role in the development of sports in Nigeria. They reiterated their readiness to continue supporting and partnering with the association in its noble endeavors.
- The Full Council approved the lifting of the suspension on two NEC members – Azuka Raph Chiemeka, Vice President, South-South and Ijeoma Nwante, National Financial Secretary, following reconciliation, remorseful engagements, and apologies acknowledged by the NEC. This decision takes immediate effect.
- The Full Council also approved NEC recommendation that SWAN membership registration for the year 2025 should commence in November 2024 and close by the end of March 2025, with payments and collation to be handled through the respective state chapters. The Full Council urges members to ensure they input their information appropriately after payment on the association’s website (Only for those that hadn’t done so in 2024).
- The Full Council approved the celebration of SWAN Diamond Jubilee with a celebration of 60 prominent sporting individuals as part of the association’s 60th anniversary.
- The Full Council embraced the President’s appeal, stressing the need for state chairmen to foster cordial relationships with their respective Ministries of Sports and Sports Councils. Additionally, they were urged to take initiative by organising competitions to keep their states vibrant with sporting activities.
- The Full Council expressed deep sympathy to the families of the three members of the Afrosport crew who were tragically killed in an ambush by kidnappers on the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The attack involved 14 members of the Afrosport crew, who were en route to Uyo to cover the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya, played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, October 11, 2024. The Full Council commended Anambra State Police Command for its professionalism and proactive response in rescuing six other members of the Afrosport crew from the kidnappers.
- The Full Council commended Delta State Government for the successful hosting of the 2024 National Youth Games in Asaba and for its support of the prestigious sports writing body.
- The Full Council congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on the hard-earned victory over their Libya counterpart in the ongoing Morocco African Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Full Council urges the coaching crew led by Austin Eguavoen to maintain the momentum and ensure the right players are always selected to execute the remainder of the World Cup and Nations Cup qualifier matches to ensure Nigeria’s qualification to both the Continental and Global Soccer Showpiece.
COMMUNIQUE DRAFTING COMMITTEE
Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji – Chairman, Ogun State Chapter
Samuel Ahmadu – Secretary, FCT Chapter
Sani Sulaiman – Chairman, Taraba State Chapter
Ikenna Okonkwo
Secretary General, SWAN
