SWAN Seeks Legislative Partnership to Boost Sports Development a@ 60th Anniversary

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso | Abuja

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called for stronger collaboration with the House of Representatives to advance sports development and strengthen media advocacy across the country as it marks its 60th anniversary, otherwise known as the Diamond Jubilee.

Led by its National President, Benjamin Isaiah, the SWAN delegation comprising members of the National Executive Committee and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the anniversary celebration paid a courtesy visit to the House Committee on Sports at the National Assembly in Abuja.

The visit was aimed at briefing lawmakers on activities lined up for the celebration and seeking partnership and support from the legislature.

Isaiah, in his address, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the Sports Committee for their consistent support for sports development in Nigeria.

He described SWAN’s 60th anniversary as a major milestone for an association that has contributed immensely to shaping the nation’s sports narrative since its establishment in 1964.

“We are sincerely grateful to Speaker and the Committee on Sports for always identifying with us,” Isaiah said.

“Over the past six decades, SWAN has played a vital role in promoting sports journalism and supporting policies that drive the growth of sports in Nigeria. It is only fitting that we celebrate those who have contributed to this journey.”

Highlighting the lineup of events for the Diamond Jubilee celebration, the SWAN President revealed that activities will begin on Friday, 24th October, with Jumu’at prayers, followed by a church thanksgiving service on Sunday, 26th October, and a series of engagements culminating in a grand finale on 31st October 2025.

The anniversary will feature a sports summit, paper presentations by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, the Director General of the National Institute of Sports, and veteran journalist Mumin Adahok, as well as a novelty match between the Federal Executive Council and SWAN members.

The climax of the celebration will include a full council meeting, investiture of five new National Patrons, the launch of a ₦2 billion appeal fund for the construction of a SWAN House in Abuja, and the Diamond Jubilee Awards, which will honour 60 distinguished personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, for their contributions to sports development.

“For an association that has existed for six decades, it is time we own a befitting edifice of our own,” Isaiah added.

“We are launching an appeal fund of ₦2 billion to make that dream a reality and we seek the support of Mr. Speaker, this Committee, and other stakeholders to help us achieve it.”

In his response, the Chairman, House Committee on Sports, who represented the Speaker, commended SWAN for sustaining the association over the years and for its continued professionalism in sports reportage.

He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to partnering with SWAN and the sports sector in driving national unity, youth empowerment, and economic development through sports.

“The importance of sports in national development cannot be overstated,” the Chairman said while delivering the Speaker’s message.

“Beyond its physical and mental benefits, sports remain a tool for job creation, peacebuilding, and national cohesion. The House of Representatives stands ready to continue supporting SWAN and all efforts aimed at promoting sports development in Nigeria.”

The Speaker also encouraged SWAN members to go beyond sports reporting and use their platforms to promote grassroots sports initiatives and national integration, pledging stronger legislative backing for sports development through law-making, appropriation, and oversight functions.

The visit ended on a cordial note with mutual assurances of collaboration. The Committee Chairman pledged that the House would participate fully in SWAN’s forthcoming Diamond Jubilee events and reaffirmed the legislature’s unwavering support for the association’s efforts to build a stronger and more united sporting community in Nigeria.