SWAN President Meets Elders, Harps On Unity, Reconciliation

…Says “we will be fair to everybody”

By; Imrana Abdullahi

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin has met with Elders and other members of the association, assuring that his leadership will embark on a drive to ensure genuine reconciliation  to bring all its registered members on board.

This was contained  in a statement signed by the Media Aide to SWAN President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson.

He expressed this at the meeting held on the sidelines of a courtesy visit to the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh at the National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday August 29, 2023.

According to him, elders are crucial to the growth of the association, hence the need to listen to them and learn from their wealth of experience.

The SWAN President explained that as an association,  the executive would leave no stone unturned in  ensuring that all members are carried along.

Responding, Elder   Asueliemen Osasuyi said that there was harmony in the past in SWAN, which translated to better welfare for all members.

“We were doing things like a family. I am happy that this is the beginning of good things. That harmony is very important. The most vibrant chapters are FCT and Lagos, once you bring everyone together, it’s a welcome development,” he said.

Speaking further, he commended the SWAN President for the reconciliatory moves and vowed to support the initiative.

“With the moves you are putting in place, we would support you,” he declared.

“If  we can put our house together and form a formidable front, we can  achieve better results,” he added.

Also speaking, immediate past Secretary General, Jude Opara said that SWAN election is over, “I have invested a lot in SWAN and remain committed to its growth.They approached me for a parallel election, but I told them no,” he revealed.

Another former Secretary General,vAndrew Abah said, “You are the president, there is no faction. There is one thing I keep saying, we are one. For you to come to my house, it is an honour. I have told you we want SWAN as a united front. Before we spoke with one voice. We have fought so many battles and won. In politics, forget about whoever and whatever, carry everybody along,” he advised.

He further advised, “I want you to reconcile everybody.,”

Some of the elders at the meeting include, former Secretary General of SWAN, Mr. Andrew Abah, his successor, Mr. Jude Opara, Elder  Asueliemen Osasuyi, Elder Lucky Isawode.

SWAN Secretary General, Ikenna Okonkwo,  Leadership Newspapers Sports Editor, Salifu Usman  and Abuja Chapter chairman, Ndubueze Chidoka, amongst,  were also part of the meeting.