2026 IWD: SWAN Celebrates Female Sports Journalists

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has joined millions globally to celebrate 2026 International Women’s Day tagged “Give To Gain”.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb Ikenna Okonkwo,described women as Pillars of the society.

President Benjamin while reflecting on the theme of this year’s celebration, assured Women Sports Journalists of his determination to keep supporting and ensuring their unlimited development as Professional Media Practitioners.

The SWAN President said since the current SWAN leadership came on board, he has ensured that Women Sports Journalists are dully carried along.

He said, “The current SWAN leadership has specifically put career development of Women Sports Journalists in front burner by ensuring that stakeholders rally and support them to carry out their professional duties as expected.

“For us, supporting women is not just about numbers, it is about building solidarity. When one woman rises, she opens the door for many others. No limitations whatsoever.

“From covering international and national events, we have also always advocated and ensured significant inclusion of our Women Journalists. We have also made frantic efforts to ensure that Nigerian Women Sports Journalists are well represented at Women organised tournaments like the Women Africa Cup of Nations and others.

“From time to time, we advocate that Stateholders support our women to grow steadily in their chosen career. This year, we have intensified efforts to organised trainings for our colleagues at different levels and women participation is very crucial to us.”

The SWAN number one sports writer in Nigeria then enjoined leaders at all levels to remove any bottleneck that could pose any form of limitation for Nigerian women to rise in their chosen career.

He also called on women to prioritise support for each other at all times and places, just as the SWAN President urged them to participate fully in the development of Sports in Nigeria and beyond.