Omidiran, Daniel, Ogunnowo Honoured as SWAN Marks 60th Anniversary

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

It was a night of honour and reflection as the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) rolled out the drums in Abuja to mark its 60th anniversary, celebrating distinguished personalities whose efforts have shaped the landscape of sports development and journalism in Nigeria.

 

Among the prominent honourees were former FIFA Council member and Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Ayo Omidiran; Special Assistant (Media) to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Kola Daniel; and Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One, Olushola Ogunnowo — all recipients of SWAN’s Distinguished Service Award.

Omidiran, a long-time advocate for grassroots sports and women’s football, said the award was particularly special as it came from her “constituency.”

“This is my constituency. I’m a sportswoman, and it’s symbolic that this is my first recognition since assuming office at the Federal Character Commission,” she said.

She urged philanthropists to invest in young athletes, stressing that supporting grassroots sports remains vital to Nigeria’s sporting future.

For Kola Daniel, the recognition was a validation of years of passion and perseverance in sports journalism.

“I feel truly honoured that my constituency—the sports writers—found me worthy of this award. It shows that our sacrifices are being noticed,” he said, dedicating the award to his colleagues and family.

Described by SWAN executives as a bridge between the media and sports administrators, Daniel reaffirmed his commitment to excellence, stating that his guiding principle remains: “Work without closing attitude.”

In a moment of humility and reflection, NLO’s Ogunnowo credited his critics—many of them sports journalists—for shaping his success.

“The people I thought hated me the most were actually building me up,” he admitted. “Their criticisms pushed me to be better and helped me achieve the results we see today.”

He also paid tribute to mentors who helped shape his career and pledged to continue contributing to the growth of Nigerian football.

The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration not only honoured individual excellence but also underscored the association’s enduring legacy as the conscience and chronicler of Nigerian sports.

 

As SWAN marks six decades of impactful storytelling and advocacy, the recognition of Omidiran, Daniel, and Ogunnowo stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between sports administrators and the media — united by a shared passion for the growth of Nigerian sports.