The national leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has approved the lifting of suspensions on two members of its National Executive Committee (NEC).
The ban earlier imposed on the members are the Vice President of the South-South zone, Azuka Raph Chiemeka, and the National Financial Secretary, Ijeoma Nwante, as observed by The Guardian, was lifted last weekend during the SWAN full council meeting which was conducted via virtual.
In a communique, the full council announced that the decision to lift up the ban was necessitated by their show of ruorse and apologies, stating that “NEC has accepted their apologies.”
The Full Council also approved the NEC’s recommendation for SWAN membership registration for 2025, which according to the council, will begin in November 2024 and close at the end of March 2025.
“Payments and the registration process will be managed through the respective state chapters. Members are encouraged to input their information correctly on the association’s website, especially those who did not register in 2024,” they said.
Jointly signed by the communique committee who are made up of the SWAN Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Ahmadu, Taraba state SWAN chairman, Sani Sulaiman, and the Ogun state SWAN chairman, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, the full council announced that “as part of SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee celebration, the Council has endorsed plans to honor 60 prominent sporting individuals in recognition of the association’s 60th anniversary.
During the meeting, SWAN President, Benjamin Isaiah, urged state chairmen to strengthen their relationships with their respective Ministries of Sports and Sports Councils, as well as to organize local competitions to keep their regions active in sports.
Expressing sympathy to the families of the three members of the Afrosport crew who recently lost their lives in an ambush by kidnappers on the Ihiala-Orlu Road in Anambra State on October 8, 2024, the council beckoned at members to always be mindful of their safety.
The crew, who consist of 14 members were en route to Uyo to cover the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya, when the ugly incident occurred.
While commending the Anambra State Police Command for its swift and professional response in rescuing six other members of the crew, the council also praised the Delta State government for successfully hosting the 2024 National Youth Games in Asaba and for its ongoing support of SWAN.
The. council encouraged the coaching team, led by Austin Eguavoen, to maintain their momentum and make strategic selections to ensure Nigeria’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
