Photo: SWAN Officials with the Nasarawa State Governor middle Abdullahi Sule
By Muhammed Ogwu, Lafia
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter, has appointed Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule as its Grand Patron.
Speaking during the ceremony at Government House, Lafia, the chairman of the association, Smah George, explained that the appointment of the Governor was due to his successes in the state, particularly in the sports sector.
Our correspondent reports that the event occurred when the State Chairman of the association, Comrade Smah George, led the association’s National President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, Secretary General Ikenna Okonkwo, and other members of the union on a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at Government House, Lafia.
He said, “Your Excellency’s leadership, vision, and commitment to sports development in Nasarawa State and Nigeria make you an ideal figure to serve as our Grand Patron.
“Your endorsement will significantly enhance our efforts in achieving our set goals as sports journalists and further project the achievements of your administration in the sports industry.”
He also used the opportunity to congratulate the Governor on the promotion of Nasarawa United FC and FC Basira to the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season and Nigeria National League Season, respectively.
He further thanked the Governor for appointing one of the association’s members, Eche Amos, as the media officer for Nasarawa United FC.
The chairman promised the association’s readiness to partner with the state for the growth and development of sporting activities.
Earlier, the National President of SWAN, Comrade Benjamin Isaiah, commended the Governor for his support to SWAN in the state and commitment to the development of sports.
He then appealed to the Governor to sponsor the next National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of SWAN, stating, “The meeting comprises all the National Executives of the Association as well as representatives of the State Chapters. This will further open the vista for us to brainstorm on other areas of sports development in the state.”
In response, Governor Sule accepted the appointment, commended the leadership of SWAN in the state for the honor, and promised to support the association’s aims and objectives.
Sule added that the state has great potential in various areas, including the sports sector, and urged sports journalists to promote sports and young talents through their reporting.
National President Comrade Isaiah also expressed his willingness to host the SWAN NEC meeting, saying, “I will be happy to host the SWAN NEC Meeting in Nasarawa State as it will help to expose the potentials we have in the state to the outside world, thereby promoting what we are doing here, at almost no cost.”
Our correspondent reports that highlights of the visit included the presentation of a letter designating the Governor as Grand Patron and his decoration by Comrade Isaiah, President of the Association, and Comrade George, Chairman of the State SWAN chapter.