Communique Issued at the SWAN National Executive Committee (NEC) in Lafia

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of SWAN was presided over by its National President, Isaiah Benjamin, and had in attendance NEC members from parts of the country.

At the end of deliberations on several issues, the following formed the major focus of the meeting.

The National Officers commended Nasarawa State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule, for successfully hosting NEC meeting in the state.
The National leadership of SWAN after taking a facility tour of numerous ongoing developmental projects, commended Governor Sule for his people-oriented policies and programmes, particularly his passion for sports development in Nasarawa State.
NEC while acknowledging the Governor for his love for sports and support to SWAN, presented a first-ever Sports Icon Award and decorated him.

NEC commended the federal government for returning the country’s Sports Administration to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and congratulated the new Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Mr. Bukola Olopade on their appointments.
SWAN NEC then urged NSC leadership to ensure a credible Sports Federations’ Election that will usher in committed Board Executives.
NEC also enjoined NSC to trigger Long, Medium, and Short Term Measures that will ensure early and better preparations for international competitions.
NEC urged State Governments to make Sports Development, with construction and timely maintenance of Sports facilities, a top priority, as a way of entrenching sustained human capital development.
NEC reviewed the progressive steps taken by the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in its various programmes and activities and enjoined the Federation to step up moves that will ensure Nigeria’s qualification to 2026 World Cup
After much deliberation on the Ebonyi State chapter election and the report submitted by the National Vice President, South East, Mr. Ikem Asika, NEC graciously upheld the emergence of the new State Executive Committee (SEC), while commending Ebonyi State Government for its support to the Association. NEC then charged the new leadership of the Association to chart a new course for the unity of its members.
NEC resolved to set up a fact-finding/reconciliation committee to look into the issues that emanated from the election process in Ebonyi State and find lasting solutions while calling on aggrieved SWAN members to forgo any past misgiving and join hands with the new leadership to move Sports writing forward in the State.
Ahead of SWAN Diamond Jubilee Anniversary in 2025, NEC tasked zones and state chapters to intensify efforts towards preparation to make it a resounding success.
NEC urged state chapters to ensure members of the Association are registered in good time for the year 2025.
State chapters whose elections are due were asked to set up SWANECO and liaise with the National Secretariat in line with the Association’s Statutes.
NEC made an upward review of registration payment for associate members to N25,000. The would-be/willing associate members are those of Content Creators, Researchers, Online Savvy Individuals, YouTubers etc.
SWAN urged Ogun State Government to intensify preparations for hosting the next National Sports Festival (NSF) while urging the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to step up preparations towards making it a resounding success.
SWAN NEC congratulated the new National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Alhassan Yahaya and other National Working Committee Officers and enjoined them to take the Union to higher heights.