The immediate past Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi has commended the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN for its professional reportage of various sporting activities in the country.
Sir Wodi gave the commendation after receiving the SWAN Diamond Award in Abuja, the nation’s capital, in recognition for his immense contribution to the development of sports in Nigeria.
He noted that he was shocked by his nomination even after retirement from the civil service as Director of Sports, stating that he was elated that his little contribution towards the development of sports in the state was noticed by the SWAN.
Sir Wodi who is currently the South-South zonal representative on the Board of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation, hailed SWAN on its six decades of advocacy and commitment to sports promotion, stating that the association has played a key role in amplifying athletes’ achievements and shaping national policy conversations around sports.
According to him, the award would not have been possible without the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for ensuring that the welfare of athletes was given utmost priority.
He asserted that the development of sports was incomplete without the media, maintaining that he is humbled by the gesture from the national body.
Sir Wodi added that he would continue to collaborate with the SWAN as the zonal representative on the Board of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation.
