The Full Council Meeting of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was held on Thursday, October 31, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, under the leadership of the National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin.
The meeting, which had in attendance delegates from all State Chapters across Nigeria, deliberated extensively on key national and association issues, culminating in several landmark resolutions.
1. Commendation, Appreciation, and Vote of Confidence
The Full Council expressed delight with the steady progress and renewed vibrancy of the Association, commending the National Executive Committee (NEC) led by Mr. Isaiah Benjamin for its visionary leadership, transparency, and commitment to repositioning SWAN for greater professional relevance.
A unanimous vote of confidence was passed on the NEC for strengthening unity, visibility, and stakeholder engagement within and outside the sporting community.
2. SWAN-NUJ Relationship
The Council commended the cordial relationship between the national leadership of SWAN and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
It affirmed that SWAN has no conflict with the NUJ and urged State Chapters and NUJ Councils to emulate the synergy demonstrated at the national level to promote journalistic unity and professional excellence.
3. Reinstatement of Deputy President
The Full Council received and accepted the unreserved apology of Mr. Bonny Nyong, who was suspended during the May 2024 Full Council Meeting in Kano.
His suspension was officially lifted, and he was reinstated as Deputy President with full rights and privileges restored.
4. 2026 Membership Registration
Council announced that registration for the 2026 membership year will commence in November 2025.
All registration processes are to be conducted strictly through the respective State Chapters to ensure accountability and uniformity.
5. SWAN @ 60 Anniversary
Delegates congratulated the Association on the 60th Anniversary of its founding, expressing gratitude to Almighty God, sports administrators, partners, and stakeholders for their support.
The Council hailed the success of the commemorative events held on October 30–31, 2025, in Abuja.
6. Appreciation to Founding Fathers and Veterans
SWAN paid glowing tribute to its founding fathers and veterans for their sacrifices and foresight, describing them as pillars of the Association’s legacy.
Council also congratulated all awardees honoured during the 60th Anniversary for their well-deserved recognition.
7. Nigeria’s Sports Development
The Council congratulated the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), chaired by Mallam Shehu Dikko with Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director-General, for their visionary reforms in sports administration over the past year.
SWAN pledged sustained partnership in advancing Nigeria’s sports sector and strengthening the national sporting architecture.
8. Nigeria Football and 2026 World Cup Focus
SWAN urged the Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and all stakeholders to remain focused in the campaign toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing the importance of unity, discipline, and consistent performance.
9. National Sports Federations
After reviewing the recently concluded National Sports Federations’ elections, the Council urged all federations to partner with the NSC in driving grassroots development and talent discovery.
SWAN commended proactive federations like the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and Nigeria Volleyball Federation for hitting the ground running post-elections, while urging dormant federations to become more active in fulfilling their mandates.
10. Funding and Improved Budget System
SWAN commended the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the improved 2025 sports budget allocation, describing it as a positive step toward sports development and youth empowerment.
The Council, however, called for sustained funding and strategic investment in sports as a means of reducing social vices and insecurity across the nation.
