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BY WARIYAI DANIEL, YENAGOA.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has endorsed the 60th anniversary and Sports Icon Awards of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) scheduled to hold in Abuja from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31, 2025.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC gave his approval for the Diamond Jubilee event when the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) of SWAN@60 visited as part of stakeholders’ engagement ahead of the ceremony.
A Statement by the SWAN @60 Media and Publicity Committee says Bukola Olopade, Director-General of NSC received the SWAN delegation led by Isaiah Benjamin, Ikenna Okonkwo and Ben Ogbemudia, President, Secretary General and Chairman of the LOC respectively at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olapade who spoke on behalf of Dikko commended SWAN for its professionalism, visionary leadership, and commitment to sports development and administration in Nigeria through responsible journalism.
The administrator said sports writers were crucial to lending credibility to activities in the sports sector at a time when falsehood and distrust had become the order of the day.
Olapade who was presented with an award for his contributions said there was need for continued collaboration between the NSC, sports federations, and the media to promote grassroots and elite sports.
He said the ongoing partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau was an example of synergy for national progress.
The DG reiterated the Commission’s support, continued collaboration and partnership with SWAN to promote sports journalism and development adding that the award was a testament to credibility of what the NSC was doing.
Addressing the President, Olapade said, from the first time we met, I saw your visionary attitude, every one of our conversations has always been about your members’ interest.
“That has been the foundation of the image you and the General Secretary have shown.
“I must commend the professionalism of SWAN members in the reportage and management of pre-election activities within the sports community.
“I also acknowledge your role in sustaining public trust and protecting the reputation of sports administrators.
“In the past, the public space would have been filled with confusion and complaints, but you have handled information with maturity and responsibility. I sincerely appreciate that.
“I want to assure you that there is nothing you need from us that you will not get,” he said.
Olopade dedicated the award to Chairman Dikko and the entire Commission noting that their collective leadership and teamwork had greatly advanced sports development across the country.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of SWAN, Benjamin, commended the National Sports Commission for its efforts in ensuring sports development in the country.
Benjamin used the opportunity to officially invite the NSC leadership to the SWAN 60th anniversary celebration and award ceremony scheduled to hold in Abuja, the nation’s capital territory.
Other members of the delegation were Ijeoma Peter-Nwante the Financial Secretary, and Friday Joshua, member a the LOC and Assistant Secretary, SWAN FCT, Chapter.
