The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) will bring together leading figures from Nigerian sports, government and the media as its 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress gets underway in Kaduna.
The congress, which runs from August 26 to 29, has as its theme: “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Competitiveness.”
The main programme begins on Thursday, August 27, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 11am, followed by sporting and recreational activities from 3pm.
Among the prominent figures invited are National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade and National Institute for Sports Director-General Philip Shaibu.
Others include House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Senators Abdul Ningi, Shehu Sani and Sunday Marshall Katung, as well as Federal Character Commission Executive Chairman Ayo Omidiran.
The gathering is also expected to feature key figures from Nigerian football and other sports, including Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau, Nigeria Olympic Committee president Habu Gumel and Nigeria Volleyball Federation president Musa Nimrod.
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State football administrators expected at the congress include Anambra State FA chairman Chikelue Iloenyosi, Kano State FA chairman Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan and Kaduna State FA chairman Faisal Abdullahi.
Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, chairman of the FCT Football Association, will serve as chairman of the occasion.
Representatives and presidents of several national sports federations, including Nigeria Weightlifting Federation president Ibrahim Abdul, are also expected.
While the congress will bring together stakeholders from across Nigerian sports, Friday will be dedicated largely to the association’s internal affairs.
The SWAN Full Council meeting is scheduled for 10am on August 28, followed by the election and inauguration of national officers at noon. social activities will begin from 4pm
Ahead of the main programme, members of the National Executive Committee, SWAN Electoral Committee, state chairmen and secretaries are expected to arrive in Kaduna on Wednesday, August 26.
Screening of contestants for the national election is scheduled for 7pm the same day.
Former SWAN leaders to attend
The congress will also bring together SWAN patrons, veterans and former national officers.
Among those expected are former SWAN presidents Honour Sirawoo, Stephen Alabi, Fan Ndubuoke, Sani Zaria, Sa’idu Abubakar and Olu Amadasun, alongside former AIPS Africa president Mitchel Obi.
SWAN president Isaiah Benjamin said the congress would provide sports journalists from across the country with an opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting both the profession and the association.
He also said the gathering would help strengthen the relationship between the media and key stakeholders in Nigerian sports.
Awards and recognition
The congress will also recognise individuals for their contributions to sports and the association.
Listed award recipients include Rajan Zaka, Director of Finance and Administration, Dr Robert Onyeani, president of Ahidiayannem FC, and Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran.
The Federal Character Commission chairperson is also scheduled to be investitured as SWAN’s first Matron during Thursday’s programme.
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The SWAN National Secretariat and Kaduna State chapter said arrangements were in place to host delegates and guests for the triennial gathering.
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