..Promises Sustained Growth, Unveils Partnership With Relevant Govt Agencies, Groups
The Ekiti State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has held its election and inauguration for the Executive members that will steer the ship of the Association for the next three years.
The peaceful and seamless election held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado began with the dissolution of the previous executive and the inauguration of the new leaders as Qozeem Oladapo who has been the chairman since 2021 was returned unopposed.
Also returned to serve in the Executive of SWAN in Ekiti State was the secretary, Bisi Ogunleye and Treasurer, Kehinde Durodola while Alo Abiola who used to be the Financial Secretary was voted the Vice Chairman.
Two new journalists namely Adedeji Egbebi as Assistant Secretary and Akintomiwa Bolarinwa as Welfare Officer joined the SWAN Executive for the 2024-2027 term while the third new Executive member, Ademola Atobaba that vied for the position of Financial Secretary but was unavoidably absent hopes to be inaugurated in due course.
Dignitaries including the Ekiti State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon. Sunday Ola, Football Association Chairman, Chief Olu Oloworemo, former Permanent Secretary, Mr Yemi Owoseni, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Kayode Babatuyi, Chairman Professional Footballers Association, Comrade Oluwole Ogunwole, Coach Mayowa Afolabi(Football) and Coach Tope Fatoba (Chess) were on ground to identify with the Sports Writers on the occasion which was presided by the South West Vice President of SWAN, Ayodeji Ogunsakin.
In their goodwill messages, the guests emphasized the importance of professionalism, unbiased reportage and diligence.
They urged the new executive members of SWAN in Ekiti State to servant agenda for the State government towards advancing Sports and empowering the youths through Sports.
The SWAN members were also urged to seize opportunities that abound at national and international levels to foster desired growth.
The SWANECO Chairman, Raphael Ogbonaiye who presided over the election said all members were elected unopposed as no contestant indicated interest in any of the seven executive positions aside those who were inaugurated on Saturday.
After the oath of office was administered on the Qozeem Oladapo led SWAN Executive, the Chairman said the body of Sports journalists was poised to promote the profession of Sports journalism in Ekiti State and also enhance the industry’s credibility and influence.
Oladapo added that with expertise and commitment, SWAN hopes to synergize with relevant bodies, groups and personalities towards developing Sports and making Sports as a profession more attractive and viable.
He informed members of the Association and guests present of some of the successes recorded in his first term in office including steady increase of internally generated revenue, innovation of programs like the Roundtable and others towards making the Association more virile and formidable.
He also hinted that partnerships with some Sports inclined organizations including Femininuola Foundation which is the organizer of the maiden Ekiti State Board Games holding on November 16 this year as well as Choice International who are the organizers of the Ekiti State Annual Ultimate Football League have been sealed while efforts were being intensified to seal partnership with other relevant organizations, groups and personalities.
Oladapo thanked the various individuals who have supported SWAN in Ekiti State including it’s Patrons and allies while expressing hope to ensuring synergy with the Sports Aides to governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Sports Commission, Sports Development Trust Fund, Football Association and other Sports Associations and groups within Ekiti State, Nigeria and globally.
In the meantime, the National President of SWAN, Ekiti State,Mr Isiah Benjamin has felicitated the newly inaugurated SWAN Executive urging the members to remain united and committed to the vision of the National leadership of the Association.
The SWAN President whose message was delivered by the Vice President, South West, Ayodeji Ogunsakin prayed for a fruitful tenure filled with accomplishments towards the betterment of members and the Association in general.
The fresh tenure of the SWAN Executive in Ekiti State which began on Saturday November 1 runs between 2024 and 2027.