From Rhoda Godwin Yenagoa
In a keenly contested elections of the Bayelsa chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN, Mrs. Timinipre Ohia of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has emerged the first female Chairman.
The long overdue election saw Mrs. Ohia clinching 11 votes out of 21, while her only challenger, Pereolotu Amgbare of The Light Newspaper, garnered 10 votes. George Ameli of Niger Delta Television (NDTV), who was initially contesting for the Chairman’s office, withdrew from the race just before the election.
Preye Yabrifa of Glory FM 97.1 was elected unopposed as the Vice Chairman, while Patrick Ndubuisi of Raypower/AIT and Ekankumo Amgbare of Break Newspaper were elected as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
The new executives were sworn in immediately after the elections by the National Officer delegated to observe the conduct of the election, Mr. China Acheru, who charged them to run an inclusive administration and ensure unity among members.
The Sports Development Commissioner, represented by Mr. Nicolas Digha, the Head of Department, Human Resource Management, Ministry of Sports, commended the members of SWAN for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process. Elder Chris Odi and Jacobson Park also urged the new executives to work with all stakeholders and colleagues, as well as rally round possible aggrieved members.
In her acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Mrs. Timinipre Ohia, expressed her gratitude to all SWAN members for entrusting her with their votes and assured that she will need their advice and place SWAN first above any other interest
