SWAN Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence in Nigerian Sports Journalism

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso, Abuja

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the nation’s foremost sports media body, is set to mark its 60th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) in grand style, celebrating six remarkable decades of service, professionalism, and impact in the development of Nigerian sports.

Founded in 1964, SWAN has grown into one of the most respected professional associations in the country, uniting thousands of sports journalists across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Diamond Jubilee celebration, themed “The Power of Sports Media: Honouring Its Legacy, Shaping the Future,” will take place from October 29 to 31, 2025, in Abuja, featuring a rich lineup of events that blend reflection,

recognition, and forward-looking conversations about the role of the media in sports growth.
According to the President of SWAN, Comrade Benjamin Isaiah, the three-day celebration will bring together some of Nigeria’s most distinguished figures in sports, government, and media.

The event kicks off with religious thanksgiving services to commit the anniversary to God — a Juma’at prayer on Friday, October 24, and a Christian Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, October 26 — before the arrival of delegates and dignitaries on October 29.

The highlight of the celebration will be the SWAN Sports Media Summit and Lecture on October 30, followed by the Diamond Jubilee Awards and Grand Finale on October 31.

Comrade Benjamin explained that the anniversary is not just a celebration, but a tribute to the association’s enduring legacy and the men and women who have shaped sports journalism in Nigeria:

“SWAN at 60 is a celebration of the voice of Nigerian sports. For six decades, our members have told the stories, built the heroes, and defended the integrity of sports in this nation. This Diamond Jubilee is our way of honouring that legacy and inspiring the next generation.”

A long list of national figures is expected to grace the occasion. The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will serve as Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, will act as Chief Host.

Other dignitaries include the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, members of the Federal Executive Council, top sports federation presidents, and royal fathers from across the country, including the Ooni of Ife, Idoma traditional rulers, and Emirs from Northern regions

In what is described as the first-ever SWAN Awards legally recognised under the association’s constitution (Article 19), over 300 personalities are to be honoured for their outstanding contributions to sports and journalism in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Awards Committee, Dr. Abduljafar Olademeji, disclosed that honourees will include living legends, sports administrators, and posthumous recipients. Notable categories include:

FSWAN (Fellow of SWAN) – for distinguished journalists and media leaders.

GCSAN (Grand Commander of Sports in Nigeria) – for administrators and athletes who have brought pride to the nation.

SMEAN (Sports Merit Excellence Award of Nigeria) – for posthumous recognitions of past heroes like Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and Teslim Balogun.

According to Dr. Olademeji, “Recognition is the highest form of reward. It inspires excellence. Every athlete, journalist, and administrator we are honouring has contributed uniquely to the story of Nigerian sports. This award is about legacy, service, and pride.”

The Main Organising Committee Secretary Samuel Ahmadu stated that the Diamond Jubilee celebration will also feature a special sports lecture series addressing critical issues shaping the future of sports media in Nigeria.Key topics include:

Sports Media as a Catalyst for National Development.

Women in Sports Media: Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Change.

Championing Ethical Sports reporting in digital era

Renowned speakers such as Aisha Falode and Emeka Enyadike, a veteran journalist, as well NSC chairman, NSC DG, NIS DG, will headline the sessions.

To add a touch of colour and camaraderie, a novelty football match will be staged between teams from SWAN, the National Sports Commission, and the Federal Executive Council, symbolising the spirit of unity and collaboration in sports development.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Ben Ogbemudia revealed that all logistics have been finalised to ensure a smooth and memorable event.Delegates will be accommodated in three top hotels in Abuja, with full meal packages, security coverage, and transportation provided.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence, FRSC, and DSS, have been formally notified to ensure safety and traffic control throughout the celebration period.
Arrangements are also underway for live television and online streaming, supported by major broadcast partners and corporate sponsors.

SWAN has opened its doors to corporate sponsors, with discussions ongoing with brands like Coca-Cola, 7-Up, Nigerian Breweries, and other private sector stakeholders.Support has also come from the Benue Football Association, which is providing multimedia and power equipment for the event.

Throughout the planning meeting, the tone remained one of unity, pride, and gratitude. The President urged members to embrace the celebration as a collective victory:

“If we don’t tell our own story, nobody will. SWAN has stood tall for 60 years. This Diamond Jubilee is not just about our past; it’s about the future we’re shaping for sports journalism in Nigeria.”

Director of Press, Kemi Kehinde Ajayi representing the National Sports Commission, reaffirmed government support, pledging collaboration “in cash and kind” to ensure the success of the landmark event.

As the countdown to October 29 begins, the excitement within Nigeria’s sports media community is palpable. The SWAN @ 60 Diamond Jubilee is shaping up to be not just a celebration, but a defining moment in the history of Nigerian sports journalism — a tribute to the voices behind the victories and the pens behind the passion.

For six decades, SWAN has remained the conscience of Nigerian sports, chronicling triumphs and trials with integrity. As the association turns 60, it stands ready to continue its mission — to inform, to inspire, and to unite through the power of sports media.