SWAN Lagos Agrees To Unite As SWAN President Visits, Parleys Members

Veteran sports editor, Tony Ubani (left) presents a gift to SWAN National President, Isaiah Benjamin during his visit to Lagos recent

Members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter met with the National Leadership of the Professional body with a view to find lasting solution to the lingering issues.

The meeting which held inside the SWAN Chapter Secretariat located within the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos, had in attendance both Veterans and Young Sports Writing Practitioners, at the instance of SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin.

At the meeting, the President of SWAN while commending members of the sporting media at the Nigeria’s Commercial hub, recalled the high-octane vibrancy SWAN Lagos was known for, being the centerpiece of Journalism practice, particularly Sports Writing.

SWAN National President, Isaiah Benjamin stepping out of the car at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos

President Benjamin then urged all interests to sheath their swords and unite for the overall growth and well-being of the revered Association.

The number one sportswriter in Nigeria also reminded them of the need to join hands in restoring needed peace and be united as it were, adding, “For us at the National Executive Committee (NEC), we are committed to ensuring that the various 36 States and FCT Chapters are not only united but formidable.

“Everyone knows that yes all the Chapters are important, but Lagos is the hub of Journalism practice in Nigeria. So, as the privileged SWAN President today, I’m very much disturbed about what Lagos State Chapter has turned out to be in recent years. Since I took over, I haven’t rested. I have kept calling and engaging especially our veterans on best solution to the issues.

L-R: Veteran journalist and former Group Sports Editor, Daily Times, Mr Gboyega Okegbenro, SWAN Vice President South-West zone Mr. Ayodeji Ogunsakin, SWAN National President, Isaiah Benjamin and Chairman Lagos SWAN, Olatutu Oladunni

“It now for all SWAN members to join hands to restore the height SWAN is known for in Lagos and make it better. The good thing is that majority of Sports Writers, including the Elders are in agreement that there is need to reunite and, in few months, ahead make plans on to conduct fresh election.”

The SWAN President enjoined members to particularly rally round and allow the incumbent Chaper Executive led by Olatutu Oladunni to complete their tenure by October 2025 when a new election will be conducted, with an assurance that those who will form part of the Electoral Committee will be drawn from sides of the divide.

A policeman attached to the convoy of SWAN President Mr Isaiah Benjamin welcoming the president to the National Stadium in Lagos

He also assured that the National Leadership will be unbiased in ensuring seamless process, just as it was done in FCT Chapter in 2024.

Some of the Elders and Young SWAN members who spoke during the meeting, including Mr. Kunle Salami, Mr. Patrick Ibeh, Mr. Victor Enyinnaya, Mr. Tony Ubani, Mrs Olatutu Oladunni, Mr. Enitan Obadina, Mrs Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu, Mrs Blessing Nwosu, Mr. Bello Omotunde, Mr. Kaseem Ajibola Mr. Oni Afolabi, Mr. Taiwo Adelu among others were one in echoing that the togetherness of the Association will go a long way in ensuring that the upcoming election in Lagos will be successful.

A number of NEC members including National Ex-Officio Mr. Abiodun Ogundipe, National Treasurer Mr. Femi Amusan, Vice President South-West zone Mr. Ayodeji Ogunsakin and Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo as well as South-West zonal Secretary Mr. Charles Ogundiya accompanied the SWAN President to the meeting.