COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING OF THE SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (SWAN) HELD AT THE MOSHOOD ABIOLA NATIONAL STADIUM, ABUJA
The Full Council Meeting of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was convened at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, under the leadership of the National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin. The meeting held on October 31, 2025 had in attendance delegates from all State Chapters across Nigeria.
After extensive deliberations, the Full Council reached the following key resolutions:
- Commendation/Appreciation/Vote of Thanks
SWAN expressed delight with the current Thriving and Vibrant Association which has demonstrated tenacity and focus in repositioning the professional body.
The Full Council unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the current National Executive Committee (NEC) led by Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, commending its visionary leadership, transparency, and commitment to repositioning SWAN for greater professional relevance and institutional stability.
Delegates expressed appreciation for the NEC’s steady progress in strengthening the Association’s unity, visibility, and engagement with critical stakeholders within and outside the sporting community.
- SWAN–NUJ Relationship
The Full Council commended the cordial relationship between the national leadership of SWAN and NUJ.
SWAN maintained that it had no problems with NUJ, and encouraged State Chapter and NUJ Council leaderships to take a cue from their national bodies.
Delegates expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would strengthen journalistic unity and foster a more coordinated pursuit of professional excellence within the media industry.
- Reinstatement of Deputy President
The Full Council received the oral and unreserved apology of Mr. Bonny Nyong, Deputy President of SWAN, who was suspended during the Full Council meeting held in May 2024 in Kano.
After due consideration, his apology was accepted, his suspension lifted, and he was reinstated to his position as Deputy President, with all rights and privileges of the office fully restored.
- 2026 Membership Registration
The Full Council announced that registration for the 2026 membership year will commence in November 2025, and directed that all registration processes and submissions shall be coordinated strictly through the respective State Chapters.
- SWAN @ 60 Anniversary
The Full Council congratulated the Association on the attainment of its 60th Anniversary and expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, sports administrators, stakeholders, and corporate partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of the commemorative events held on October 30 and 31, 2025 in Abuja.
- Appreciation to Founding Fathers and Veterans
Council paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers and veterans of SWAN for their foresight, sacrifices, and enduring contributions to the Association’s growth and legacy.
It also congratulated all awardees honoured during the 60th Anniversary celebrations for their well-deserved recognitions.
- Nigeria’s Sports Development
SWAN unanimously congratulated the leadership of the National Sports Commission, piloted by its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their forthrightness and visionary approach in developing Nigeria sports since their emergence one year ago, while assuring of steady partnership and support in a bid to achieve lofty idea of uplifting the country’s sporting architecture.
- Nigeria Football/2026 World Cup Focus
SWAN noted efforts to ensure Nigeria pick the desired ticket to 2026 FIFA World Cup and urged sustained push in reaching the upcoming Mundial without loosing any bit of focus by the Super Eagles, Nigeria Football Federation and all Stakeholders involved.
- National Sports Federations
After examining the recently concluded National Sports Federations’ Elections, SWAN urged all Sports Federations to partner the National Sports Commission in ticking the right boxes for various Sports to thrive in the next years.
SWAN commended Sports Federations such as the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Nigeria Volleyball Federation among few others for immediate impacts after the elections which held in October, 2025 and asked Federations fond of staying dormant till another circle of election to wake-up and be alive to their responsibilities of discovering and nurturing talents to stardom.
- Funding/Improved Budget System
While SWAN hailed the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for improved budgetary allocation to sports in the 2025 budget, Sports Journalists urged sustained approach with more funding for Nigeria Sports as a vital means of eliminating social vices which also reduces insecurity to the bearest minimum in parts of Nigeria.
Signed:
Communiqué Drafting Committee
Chimezie Anaso – Chairman
Emmanuel Akpan – Vice Chairman
Hembadoon Orsar – Secretary
Ahmed Amshi – Member
Jacob Onjewu – Member
Ikenna Okonkwo
Secretary-General, SWAN
