By : Clinton Christopher 

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) will on Friday, October 24, and Sunday, October 26, hold special Jumat Prayers and Thanksgiving services across its state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of activities lined up for its 60th Anniversary and Award Ceremony.

 

According to a statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the Anniversary, the prayers will take place in all state chapters and the FCT at venues to be determined by the respective chapter leaderships.

 

The national leadership of SWAN, under the presidency of Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, extended an open invitation to government officials, sports enthusiasts, association members, and the general public to join in the services, aimed at thanking God for the association’s successful 60-year journey.

 

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for the protection of members, better sporting fortunes for Nigeria’s sportsmen and women, and a more prosperous sports sector,” the statement read.

The main events of the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will be held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, between October 29 and 31, 2025. The festivities will feature a symposium, a novelty football match, the launch of an appeal fund, and a grand awards ceremony to honour distinguished sports personalities and supporters.

 

Among the notable dignitaries expected to grace the occasion are Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President; and two governors from the North-Central region.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin revealed that the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, will chair the three-day event, which will commence with the association’s Full Council meeting involving all state chairmen, secretaries, and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

 

“It has become imperative for us as sports writers to celebrate ourselves, as well as our friends who have significantly contributed to the development of sports in the country. There are over 200 nominees across categories including journalists, athletes, coaches, and administrators,” Benjamin said.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Ben Ogbemudia, assured that all logistical and hospitality arrangements have been perfected to ensure a seamless celebration.

 

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Samuel Ahmadu, disclosed that veteran sports journalists Aisha Falode and Emeka Enyadike will deliver keynote papers on “The Future of Sports Journalism and Development in Nigeria.”

 

Dr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji, Chairman of the Awards Committee, explained that the honours will follow the SWAN Statute, with three main categories of awardees. These include active athletes such as Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan; retired legends like Nwankwo Kanu and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha; and posthumous recognitions for Nigerian football greats Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and Shuaibu Amodu.

 

The 60th Anniversary celebrations are expected to bring together the biggest names in Nigerian sports, media, and governance in what promises to be a landmark event celebrating six decades of sports journalism excellence in the country.