By: Gbenga Oloniyo, Kaduna
Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin has been re-elected National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for another three-year term at the 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress of the association held in Kaduna on Friday
Benjamin, who assumed office as SWAN National President in 2023, was returned unopposed after emerging as the sole candidate for the presidency
The congress, which attracted delegates from SWAN state chapters across the country, also produced a new National Executive Council (NEC) to pilot the affairs of the association
While most of the positions were uncontested, the offices of Deputy President and Vice President, North-East Zone, were keenly contested
Nyong Bonny Silas of Akwa Ibom State defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra State for the position of Deputy President, polling 21 votes against Chukwuleta’s 14 votes, while one ballot was declared void.
For the Vice President, North-East position, Samuel Gangwaja of Adamawa State defeated the incumbent, Ahmed Kagana Amshi of Yobe State, by four to two votes
Meanwhile, Gangwaja will consequently represent the North-East Zone on the new SWAN National Executive Council for the next three years
Other elected national officers include Ikenna Okonkwo as Secretary General, Samuel Ahmadu as Deputy Secretary General, Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde as Treasurer and Ijeoma Nwante as Financial Secretary
While at the zonal level, Zaharadeen Saleh was returned as Vice President, North-West; Azuka Chiemeka, South-South; Ikemefuna Asika, South-East; and Ayodeji Ogunsakin, South-West
The newly elected officers were subsequently sworn into office by Sir Ben Churchill Aniekwena, Esq., of Juris Consults, Kaduna State
Speaking shortly after his inauguration, Isaiah Benjamin thanked members for renewing their confidence in his leadership and pledged to prioritise the welfare and professional development of sports journalists.
Furthermore, he called on members to close ranks and support the new administration, irrespective of their choices during the election
The congress, held under the theme, “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Competitiveness,” ended with the emergence of a leadership expected to consolidate the gains of the previous administration while addressing issues affecting the welfare, working conditions and professional growth of sports journalists across Nigeria.(The Path Newspaper)
