First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio (wife of the Senate President), along with two governors from the North-Central region, are among the notable figures from governance and the sporting industry set to attend the 60th Diamond Jubilee anniversary celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Abuja.
The SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee festivities will take place from 29 to 31 October 2025, featuring a symposium, a novelty match, the launch of appeal funds, and an awards ceremony to honour distinguished members of the association, governors, sports promoters, administrators, philanthropists, and other stakeholders.
During a press conference marking the upcoming anniversary celebration in Abuja yesterday, the national president of the association, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, announced that the event will be chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau. It will commence with a Full Council meeting involving all state chairmen, secretaries, and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on the first day.
“It has become imperative for us as sports writers to find time to celebrate ourselves, as well as our friends who have significantly contributed to the development of sports in the country. There are over 200 nominees outside the journalists, athletes, coaches, and administrators,” Benjamin stated.
Earlier, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Ben Ogbemudia, provided insights into the event, assuring that adequate arrangements are in place to guarantee a seamless occasion that makes invited guests feel at home.
In his remarks, Samuel Ahmadu, Secretary of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), announced that two prominent and veteran sports journalists, Aisha Falode and Emeka Enyadike, will present papers on the future of sports journalism and development in Nigeria as part of the celebration.
Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji, Chairman of the Awards Committee for the SWAN at 60 celebration, noted that the awards align with the SWAN Statute. He mentioned three categories of awardees, including active athletes like Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amosun, as well as retired legends such as Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha. There will also be posthumous awards for figures like Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and Shuaibu Amodu.
In her goodwill message, Kemi Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Information and Public Relations for the National Sports Commission (NSC), assured of the NSC’s full participation in the event.
Ajayi highlighted the longstanding cordial relationship between SWAN and the NSC, affirming their continued collaboration for the growth and development of sports in the country.
