LEADERSHIP Pledges Support For SWAN@60 Diamond Jubilee

The management of LEADERSHIP Group has committed to supporting the upcoming Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) @60, scheduled to take place from 28th to 31st October 2025 in Abuja.

The group managing director, Alhaji Muazu Elazeh, made the pledge during a courtesy visit from SWAN’s National President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, alongside national officers and members of the SWAN @60 organising committee at LEADERSHIP’s corporate headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

Elazeh referred to the 60th anniversary of SWAN as an invaluable opportunity for reflection and progress, urging the association’s leadership to ensure the event’s success. He expressed his satisfaction with the planned activities and commended Mr Benjamin and his team for their initiative to honour individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to the promotion of sports in Nigeria.

“I commend your leadership. The SWAN @60 celebration offers a moment to reflect on our past and consider the future. I’m pleased with the itinerary for the event, which includes awards and an investiture, among other highlights. It is essential that we recognise and reward individuals who have excelled; such recognition will encourage others and make recipients feel valued. I applaud your leadership for this endeavour and encourage you to channel your efforts into making the event a resounding success,” Elazeh stated.

He further added, “Regardless of your presence, we would have supported you; however, it is indeed beneficial that you have come to us. I assure you that we will provide the necessary publicity. Simply liaise with our sports editor and share your publicity needs, and we will take care of them. Should you require further assistance beyond this meeting, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to offering all the support you need, out of both moral obligation and pride in your success, as you represent our name. We look forward to attending the event on 31st October and believe it will be a great success.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr Chibuzor Ukaibe, Politics Editor at LEADERSHIP, noted that it is the company’s moral obligation to support SWAN during its Diamond Jubilee. “It is always a pleasure to host you, and as our Managing Director has highlighted, supporting your success is a moral responsibility for us. You are our ambassadors, representing our brand with pride, and we must do all we can to ensure SWAN prospers. As journalists, we are key stakeholders in this venture, and you can rely on our unwavering support,” Ukaibe affirmed.

Earlier, SWAN’s National President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, explained that the visit to LEADERSHIP’s headquarters was part of the activities leading up to the Diamond Jubilee celebration and to request the company’s support in promoting the event.

He outlined the SWAN @60 celebration schedule, which will feature a national lecture, a novelty match, an awards gala night, and the investiture of national patrons.

“We are here to discuss our forthcoming Diamond Jubilee celebration. SWAN was established in 1964, and although we celebrated our 60th anniversary last year, we wish to mark it this year with a series of activities, including courtesy visits to media houses, of which this is one.

“Our events will commence on 28th October with the arrival of national officers from across the country, followed by full council members on the 29th, which includes the secretaries and chairpersons of our state chapters, including the FCT. On the 30th, we will host our inaugural Sports Summit featuring distinguished speakers to discuss the future of sports in Nigeria. That evening, we will hold a novelty match between the Federal Executive Council and SWAN/NUJ, pending government approval.

“The main highlight of the celebration will take place on 31st October with our full council meeting, which will include the launch of our compendium recognising individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective roles as athletes, journalists, sports administrators, and philanthropists, followed by the investiture of five national patrons. Additionally, we will launch a two-billion-naira appeal fund to establish SWAN House in Abuja. We are optimistic that with God’s blessing, the event will be a complete success.”