Barau support SWAN with N2million at 60th anniversary

The deputy senate President, Barau I. Jibrin has constructed 13 stadia in the 13 local government areas of Kano as part of his contributions and support to the development of sports across the state.

In addition, he directed the upgrading of the Bayero University Kano BUK stadium to the international standard aimed at complementing the use of Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar mata.

The Special Adviser to the deputy senate President on Media and publicity Alhaji Ismail Mudassir made this statement during the 60th years anniversary of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) held in Abuja.

 Alhaji Ismail Mudassir said 52 football clubs from Kano were benefited during this year's Nationwide League One (NLO) registration fees totaling to over 15 millions.

He added that the establishment Barau Football Club was part of the deputy President commitment to empower teeming young players through sports across the country.

He explained that plans are underway to transform Barau FC into a continental football powerhouse, attracting players from across West Africa and beyond, adding that nothing is too much for the Nigerian youth and by extension to sports.

While commending the leadership of SWAN for their recognition, he assured that the deputy President will continue to complement the President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's commitment towards the overall development of various sporting events in the country.

He later donated the sum of two million Naira to the SWAN to enable them start construction of it secretariat in Abuja.

SWAN honours former north west VP Ado Salisu

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has conferred the SWAN fellowship award on the former vice president, SWAN north west, Ado Salisu.

The association as part of activities marking its diamond jubilee celebration had decided to confer the award on the Kano born veteran sports broadcaster in recognition of his over three decades of service to the sports media industry.

The award conferment letter signed by the national secretary of the association, Amb Ikenna Okonkwo said the recognition is well deserved, adding that the recipient had played prominent roles in the life span of the association.

He congratulated the recipient for what he described as an honour that is well deserved.

Reacting , an elated Ado Salisu said “ tis gladdens my heart, this is an indication that my service was well recorded and appreciated , I am pleased that, I am been appreciated for my contributions to SWAN and sports in general.

He urged young sports writers to cultivate the spirit of selflessness and doggedness, stressing that the terrain could be rough, but without the vibrancy of sporting press and members of its constituency , the industry cannot thrive.

Ado Salisu reached the pinnacle of his sports journalism career as a reporter with t he renowned Triumph newspaper before been moved to ARTV Kano, from where he took a bow, on completion of his years of merit service.

He rise to the position of the vice president, SWAN north west.

SWAN Disowns Illegal Lagos Election, Petitions IGP, DSS Over Misuse of Security Personnel

...Suspended Members Engaging Thugs, Creating Confusion

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has strongly disowned and condemned the purported election set to be organised in Lagos by suspended members of the association, describing it as illegal, null and void, and a deliberate act of sabotage against the integrity of the body.

The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.

In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.

The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.

In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.

SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.

“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”

The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.

SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.

Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”

"The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”

The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.