Ilorin – Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Wednesday in Ilorin elected a new executive to steer the ship of the association in the next three years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Honour Sirawo, a former Vice-President (South-South) of the association, emerged the new President while Mr Olawale Alabi, a Senior Editor with NAN, emerged Secretary-General.
NAN also reports that all the positions in the association were unopposed except that of Vice-President, North Central, which was won by Mohammed Danmusa who defeated Thaddeus Yilmen with six votes against two.
The newly elected officers included Mr Adeboye Ajayi, an Editor with NAN, who emerged as Vice-President, South-West, and Mr Wale Joseph who emerged as Deputy Secretary-General.
Others are Ado Salisu, Vice President, North-West; Edwin Bekom, Vice President, South-South; Cajetan Nkwopara, Vice President, South East; Chigozie Chukwuleta , Financial Secretary and Faruk Bello, Treasurer.
In his acceptance speech, Sirawo challenged the Federal Government to evolve a strategic blueprint for the development of sports in the country.
The new SWAN president advocated a re-appraisal of the act establishing the Nigeria Institute of Sports(NIS) with a view to upgrading the centre to a degree awarding institution.
“This, we believe, will equip coaches and others who seek knowledge to the benefit of the country and beyond,” he said.
He announced the expansion of the SWAN National Executive Committee to accommodate Zonal Secretaries.
Sirawo also announced the creation of advisory committees at the zonal level and consisting of former chairmen.
He said that the present state of the association called for concerted action, adding that the new team was poised to transform the body.
Also speaking, Alabi described the victory as a call to duty, saying he would give his best towards the building of a greater and enviable SWAN.
The new Secretary-General, however, solicited the support of members across the country for the new executives, saying the building of an enviable SWAN required collective effort.(NAN).
