Isaiah Benjamin Re-elected SWAN National President

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has re-elected Isaiah Kemje Benjamin as its National President for another three-year term.

Benjamin was returned unopposed at the association’s 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress held in Kaduna on Friday, alongside Ikenna Okonkwo, who also retained his position as Secretary-General.
The congress, which brought together delegates from SWAN chapters across the country, also elected members of a new National Executive Council (NEC) to pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.

While most of the positions were uncontested, delegates voted to determine the Deputy President and Vice President, North-East positions.

For the position of Deputy President, Nyong Bonny of Akwa Ibom State defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra State, polling 21 votes against 14.

Similarly, Samuel Gangwaja of Adamawa State defeated the incumbent Vice President, North-East, Ahmed Kagana Amshi of Yobe State, polling four votes against two.

The other zonal vice-presidential positions were returned unopposed.

Following the election, the newly elected officers were sworn into office by Sir Ben Churchill Aniekwena, Esq., of Juris Consults, Kaduna State.

Speaking after his inauguration, Benjamin thanked members for renewing their confidence in his leadership and pledged to prioritise the welfare and professional development of sports journalists across the country.

He said the administration would work towards strengthening SWAN and creating better opportunities for members to discharge their professional responsibilities.

“The welfare of our members will remain a priority for this administration,” Benjamin said.

He also called on members to close ranks and support the new leadership irrespective of their choices during the election, stressing that the success of the administration would require the cooperation of state chapters, zonal structures and individual members.

Benjamin said the new administration would build on the achievements of his first tenure while addressing emerging concerns affecting the welfare, professional development and working conditions of sports journalists.

The gathering provided delegates with an opportunity to review the activities of the association, deliberate on its future and elect officers to steer its affairs.

With the conclusion of the election and inauguration, the new NEC is expected to focus on implementing the resolutions of the congress and strengthening SWAN’s position within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.

Elected SWAN officials include President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin (JP); Deputy President, Nyong Bonny Silas; Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo; Deputy Secretary-General, Samuel Ahmadu; Treasurer, Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde; Financial Secretary, Ijeoma Nwante; Vice President, North-East, Samuel Gangwaja; Vice President, North-West, Zaharadeen Saleh; Vice President, South-South, Azuka Chiemeka; Vice President, South-East, Ikemefuna Asika; and Vice President, South-West, Ayodeji Ogunsakin.