By Ikemefuna Asika
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has recalled her two national officers who were earlier suspended during their Full Council meeting in May, 2024 in Kano following anti association activities they were involved in.
The lifting of the suspension on Azuka Raph Chiemeka, Vice President South South and Ijeoma Nwante, National Financial Secretary was contained in the communique issued at the end of their visual emergency meeting which was presided over by her President, Isaiah Benjamin.
The decision followed reconciliation, remorseful engagements, and apologies from the two officers which was acknowledged by the National Executive Council of the Association during the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. The decision takes immediate effect.
The Full Council members commended National SWAN under the leadership of President Isaiah Benjamin for its pivotal role in the development of sports in Nigeria. They reiterated their readiness to continue supporting and partnering with the association in its noble endeavors.
The meeting approved NEC recommendation that SWAN membership registration for the year 2025 should commence in November 2024 and close by the end of March 2025, with the State chapters handling collation of payments.
They urged SWAN members to ensure they input their information appropriately after payment on the association’s website (Only for those that hadn’t done so in 2024).
The proposed SWAN Diamond Jubilee anniversary where 60 prominent sporting individuals who have contributed to the development of sports in Nigeria will be celebrated was approved.
While embracing the President Isaiah Benjamin’s appeal on the need for state chairmen to foster cordial relationships with their respective Ministries of Sports and Sports Councils, urged them to take initiative by organising competitions to keep their states vibrant with sporting activities.
The meeting expressed deep sympathy to the families of the three members of the 14 man Afrosport crew who were tragically killed in an ambush by kidnappers on the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 on their way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to cover the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations first leg qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya played at Godswill Akpabio Stadium. They commended Anambra State Police Command and other security agencies for their professionalism and proactive response in rescuing six other members of the Afrosport crew from the kidnappers.
The Full Council congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on the hard-earned victory over their Libya counterpart in the ongoing African Cup of Nations qualifiers. They urged the coaching crew led by Austin Eguavoen to maintain the momentum and ensure the right players are always selected to execute the remainder of the World Cup and Nations Cup qualifier matches to ensure Nigeria’s qualification to both the Continental and Global Soccer Showpiece.
SWAN Full Council members also commended Delta State Government for the successful hosting of the 2024 National Youth Games in Asaba and for its support of the prestigious sports writing body.
The meeting had in attendance all the NEC members and 30 State Chapters including the FCT.
