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Tag: SWAN

  • Edo 2020: Ekiti Media Team Lied on Kogi Covid-19 test result- SWAN

    Edo 2020: Ekiti Media Team Lied on Kogi Covid-19 test result- SWAN

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Chairman, Kogi State Spot Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) ,Bishop Aturu  on Tuesday
    described the news credited to one Qozeem Oladapo of Team Ekiti that over 40 athletes and 20 officials from Kogi State tested positive to the Covid-19 as fake and malicious.

    In a statement signed by the chairman of the association, Mr. Aturu disclosed that the said publications was sponsored by some disgruntled elements to discredit the stand of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State  on Covid-19 pandemic.

    Aturu in the statement explained that the Kogi State contingents who arrived Benin on the 3rd of April 2021 were subjected to vigorous and stressful Covid-19 test which lasted for several hours.

    According to him, the test at the end of the day all came negative with news available in the entire reputable online and conventional news platform in the country.

    The Kogi State SWAN chairman however urged the writer (Qozeem Oladapo of Team Ekiti) to do a rejoinder on the said story, apologize to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and the entire media team for the fake news targeted towards denting the image of entire confluence state contingents.

    “We understand that Kogi State because of its able and dynamic governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s stand to the compliance of covid-19 has further made the state a target by many as so many efforts has been carried out to ridicule and proof the governor wrong.”

    “It’s however disappointing that a fellow so-called colleague who by all standard should be professional, ethically trained and well informed on the effect of fake news joined others to propagate unconfirmed news which facts are all over for verification.

    “To set the record straight Qozeem Oladapo, Kogi State participated in 49kg light flyweight boxing category against Borno State on Monday at Oba Akensua Cultural Centre here in Benin. Can any athlete sent back home participate in boxing? This further confirmed that your report is not only a fake but a calculated attempt towards denting the image of Kogi State in the ongoing National Sports Festival.”

    ” Oladapo should Apologize to the Kogi State government, the state contingent and also the SWAN members of the state for making us feel unprofessional in the discharge of our duty, as against earlier report by mainstream media that all Kogi Athletes and officials tested negative.”

    Oladapo from Ekiti media team while giving an update on the ongoing National Sports Festival in Edo State had circulated this information on some social media platform that “On the Covid19 situation, none of Ekiti state athletes not official tested positive for the disease while reports from the camp of Kogi state say over forty athletes and twenty officials  from the states have tested positive for covid-19 and have since been asked to return home”

  • SWAN VP North Central sacks Cheke led executives, constitutes a five Man committee

    SWAN VP North Central sacks Cheke led executives, constitutes a five Man committee

    By Abel Leonard/lafia

    Sport Writers  Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Nasarawa chapter says it has dissolved the state executives led by Cheke Emmanuel with an immediate effect. 

    This was contained in a press release signed by the zonal Vice President Danmusa  Mohammed.
    The release read:” sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the state executives of the Nasarawa State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on march 17, 2020, and in line with the provision of the statutes of the Association, the EXCO in the state is hereby dissolved with an immediate effect” 

    However, a five man committee was constituted with Isah Mohammed of NTA  as Chairman, Smah George NBS, secretary, Olukayode Babalola NAN, Member, Umar Mohammed punch newspaper  member, and Ibrahim Yakubu, Radio Nigeria Precious FM member.

    Hence, the committee is also saddled with the responsibility of conducting election on or before March, 31, 2020.

  • SWAN signs agreement with FATA Super System for a Digital I.D Cards

    SWAN signs agreement with FATA Super System for a Digital I.D Cards

    The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has signed a deal with FATA  Super System Limited to produce digital identification cards for its members in the country.

    The President of the Association, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona said the development is to take the Association to the next level in the emerging digital world.

    Aigbona said “the process which is properly documented is focused on adding a new line of registering its members as this will open up new doors for the Association’s quest to operate in line with the happenings in the global level.

    The Association, he said, is driven to add much effective changes in registering its members across the country. On its part, the Chief Executive Oficcer of FATA Super System Limited, Dr. Fatai Aliu said it was interesting that the Association is first among the media world to embark on the biometric digitalisation of its membership cards which is universally acknowledged.

    Aliu said that this will open the door for more relationship with the media and promised not to disappoint the Association. According to him, Nigeria as at today has no universal identification numbers that can be used to recognise them anywhere in the world.

    He said, that with the registration which will use facial biometrics as against the fingerprints biometrics, will see the members getting their data enclosed in the online process which they can access anywhere in the world.

    The agreement which was signed late Friday at the headquarters of FATA Super System Limited, in Abuja is the beginning of the National Executive of SWAN effort to give a new direction for the Association.

  • SWAN President, Aigbona Mourns Anthony Obaseki

    SWAN President, Aigbona Mourns Anthony Obaseki

     By Mike Oboh

    The president of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) Comrade Ahmed Aigbona has described the death of it member, Anthony Obaseki as a great loss to the country.

    “He said the late Obaseki was a committed member of the association who gave his best to the development of sports journalism and sports in the country.” With deep sense of shock and sorrow, but with total submission to the will of Almighty God, we received the news about the death of Anthony Obaseki,” Aigbona, said.

    While expressing sadness over the death of Obaseki, who died early hour of Sunday, in a statement jointly signed Comrade Aigbona and the Secretary General of the Association, Comrade Mike Oboh, the association described the death of the deceased as a huge loss not only to his family but to friends, colleagues and the entire SWAN family.

    According to Aigbona, the late journalist who died on Sunday  evening  was  a hard working Journalist with passion for professionalism.

    “As a member of SWAN before he died, he was a committed and vibrant member of the Association, and no doubt t Obaseki will be remembered for his virtues of patriotism and jovial nature. God knows better, despite efforts by some of his colleagues to save his life while on the sick bed,” Aigbona stated in empathy.

    In the message, the SWAN President said , “while we pray for the repose of Anthony Obaseki’s soul, we ask the Almighty God to forgive his short comings and grant those he left behind the courage to bear the loss.

  • Eid-El-Maulud: SWAN President, Aigbona Congratulates Muslims

    Eid-El-Maulud: SWAN President, Aigbona Congratulates Muslims

    By Mike Oboh

    National Secretariat of Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Maulud, marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

    In the goodwill message jointly signed by the President of the Association, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona and the Secretary General, Comrade Mike Oboh, joined other Muslims faithful all over the world to celebrate the  Eid-el-Maulud.

    According to the statement issued on Thursday morning, the SWAN President called on the ummah to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, humility amongst other virtues as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad ( SAW).

    Aigbona explained that every religion condemned violence in its entirety and hatred for one another, adding that religion should be used to build bridges across social, cultural and ethnic divide.

    Also in the statement, he sued for continued prayers for the peace, well being and prosperity of the nation.

    The SWAN President urged Nigerians to continue to be law abiding, maintain peace and order for societal and personal development of Nigeria and Nigerians. ” Collectively we can build the country (Nigeria) to an enviable position,” Aigbona emphasized.

  • SWAN President, Aigbona commiserates with NFF over death of ICT Head, Tolulope Abelola

    SWAN President, Aigbona commiserates with NFF over death of ICT Head, Tolulope Abelola

    By Mike Oboh

    The National Secretariat of Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN); an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has received with shock, the news of the sudden death of Mr.Tolulope Abelola, the head of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Information Communication Technology (ICT) unit, who died on Saturday at the age of 48.

    In a condolence message jointly signed by the President of the Association, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona and the Secretary General, Comrade Mike Oboh, extolled the virtues of the late Abelola, describing him as an upright man with vast experience on ICT.

    Aigbona regretted that the young vibrant and energetic Abelola died at a time his experience is mostly needed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).


    The SWAN President consoled the NFF President, Amaju  Pinnick, the board members and the entire staff of the Federation, stating that the deceased left behind legacies of good character.

    “We must take solace in the fact that Mr.Tolulope Abelola left behind a lasting legacy through his contributions to the development of the Federation,” Aigbona states.


    He extended the condolences of the SWAN members across the country to the football family and states Football Association (FA) across the country over the sad event and prayed that may God Almighty  forgive the deceased and give his family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

  • Donation of 18-Seater Bus: SWAN President Aigbona lauds Gov. Sanwo-Olu

    Donation of 18-Seater Bus: SWAN President Aigbona lauds Gov. Sanwo-Olu

    By Mike Oboh

    The National Secretariat of Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN); an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has lauded the kind hearted nature of the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for donating a brand new 18-seater executive bus to the state chapter of the Association.

    The National Secretariat of the Association ( SWAN) states that the gesture as again proved that the Lagos state governor is a promise keeper.

    In the statement, which was jointly signed by the National President, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona and the Secretary General, Comrade Mike Oboh, on Thursday stated that the gesture was a show of love for sports, adding that such would further create a robust relationship between the governor and the Association not only in Lagos state but in the country.

    While congratulating Lagos state SWAN, Aigbona urged the Debo Oshundun led SWAN in the state to ensure proper use of the vehicle.

    “The National Secretariat of SWAN is aware that the gift is in fulfillment of the campaign promises in the area of sports development in Lagos state. While it becomes important for the National Secretariat of SWAN to thank the governor, it is in view of the fact that it is not everybody that keeps to their promises,” Aigbona stated.

    The SWAN President who lauded the governor and his team for the gift equally tasked the Sanwo-Olu led administration on grassroots sports development and to also be more committed to the discovery of young talents in the sports circle not only for the benefit of the state but for the country in general.

    He also called on other state governors to emulate Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s resolve to support SWAN in his state and to ensure that sporting activities are given adequate attention in their various states. “It is on record that many state governors are doing fine in the area of sports development while some are lagging behind. Our concern is to see that all state governors across the federation are giving the necessary and required attention to sports development in their states,” Aigbona pleaded.

  • SWAN condoles Enugu Rangers over death of 2 players

    SWAN condoles Enugu Rangers over death of 2 players

    The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has condoled with the management, players and fans of Rangers International FC, Enugu over the demise of its two players.

    Chigozie Chukwuleta, Vice-President of SWAN, South-East gave the condolence in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu.

    It would be recalled that Rangers’ strikers, Ifeanyi George (main team) and Emmanuel Ogbu (feeder team) died following an auto crash on March 22.

    Both players were in the company of two others when the accident occurred along Benin-Lagos Road while heading to Lagos.

    “The loss of both players no doubt has left huge shock and surprise on football lovers across the world, including sports writers and especially those in the south east.

    “It is worthy of note to consider the contribution of George to the game in domestic league and at the continental scene for his club.

    “We pray for their gentle souls to rest in peace and for God to grant their families and Rangers the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,’’ Chukwuleta said.

    The SWAN vice president said that Rangers family should accept the association’s heart-felt condolence. (NAN)

  • SWAN begs Kwara governor to assist injured Kwara United player

    SWAN begs Kwara governor to assist injured Kwara United player

    The Kwara chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has appealed to Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to give the injured Kwara United player, Abdulsalam Abdulsalam, special treatment considering the nature of his injury.

    The appeal was made on Monday in Ilorin when executive members of SWAN paid the player a visit at the General Hospital, Ilorin.

    Abdulsalam sustained a fracture on his left leg a minute into Kwara United’s 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in Nigeria Professional Football League, (NPFL) match day 24 in Ilorin.

    The state SWAN Chairman, Malam Jimoh Bashir, said considering the nature of the injury and past experiences, Abdulsalam needed special treatment, and if need be, should be flown abroad to ensure adequate treatment.

    “Experiences have shown that this kind of injury must be treated abroad so that the young boy can return to playing football again soon.

    “We are appealing to His Excellency, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, not only as a governor, but as a father who will do anything to sustain the career of his child.

    “We believe the special treatment will make him recover on time and his career will not be at danger at all,”Bashir said.

    He commended the governor for giving serious attention to sports development since he assumed office, especially with the return of the state’s sports festival after it was abandoned for more than 15 years.

    Bashir also commended the management of Kwara United for its proactive measure and for assuring the player of the best of medical treatment.

    He further commended the staff, players and other stakeholders for rising to the occasion which ensured that the player was not neglected.

    The chairman presented some items to the player on behalf of the association as its token toward his treatment.

    Responding, Abdulsalam thanked the SWAN executive for standing by him and wished them well in all their undertakings. (NAN)

  • Lagos SWAN lauds Joshua-Akanji’s appointment as SA Media

    Lagos SWAN lauds Joshua-Akanji’s appointment as SA Media

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Writers Association (SWAN), Debo Oshundun, has lauded the appointment of one of its members, John Joshua-Akanji, as the Special Adviser Media to the Minister of Youth and Sports.

    Oshundun, in a statement on Monday in Lagos, described the appointment of the former Editor of the Sun Newspapers as a round peg in a round hole.

    He commended the Minister for his due diligence in getting a capable hand to work with and also expressed confidence in Joshua-Akanji’s ability to get the job done as the media aide to the Minister.

    “Joshua-Akanji is a staunch member of Lagos SWAN and one of those younger journalists look up to as a mentor.

    “We are glad that this highly-respected and experienced journalist was deemed fit by the Honourable Minister, Sunday Dare, for this very sensitive position.

    “With over 25 years as a journalist, we are confident that the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Journalism and Literature in English graduate, is well suitable for the task,’’ he said.

    Oshundun added that Lagos SWAN must have been doing things in the right directions for its members to have continued to play strategic roles in sports’ fraternities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, before the appointment of Joshua-Akanji by the Sports Minister, Patrick Omorodion was appointed Special Adviser to a former Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo.

    Similarly, Nneka Anibeze, another stalwart of the Lagos SWAN, worked under the leadership of Mr Solomon Dalung.

    “Joshua-Akanji had stints with Kaduna State Media Corporation, Channels Television (Freelance), Murhi Television (MITV), Star FM, National Interest Newspapers and BBC.

    “The Mirror Newspapers and Sun Newspapers where he rose to become the Editor of Soccer Star and Sporting Sun,’’ he said. (NAN)