The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially commenced activities marking its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of excellence and dedication to sports journalism in Nigeria.
The association began its Diamond Jubilee celebrations on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with a high-profile lecture and panel discussion themed “The Power of Sports Media: Honouring its Legacy, Shaping the Future.” The event, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, drew prominent figures from the sports and media sectors.
Declaring the celebration open, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, who also served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended SWAN for its consistent contribution to sports development in Nigeria. He urged journalists in Nigeria to remain factual and avoid sensationalism in their reportage, emphasising that the credibility of the media is vital to national unity and sports development.
“If we succeed, we succeed together; and if we fail, it is also together. Our doors are always open—but for the success of our country, we must be guided by facts and truth,” he said
Dikko expressed concern over what he described as the growing spread of misinformation in sports reporting, particularly addressing rumours that funds from FIFA and CAF were recently given to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“Such rumours, spread without credible sources, are meant to create confusion among the public,” he noted, urging journalists to focus on issues that promote the image of Nigerian sports and inspire patriotism.
The lecture session featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including former NW chairperson Aisha Falode, Emeka Enyadike, and the Director-General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu.
Discussions centered on key issues such as women’s participation in sports media, ethical standards in reporting, and the role of political will in advancing national sports development.
In the spirit of unity and celebration, a novelty football match between Team SWAN and Team NSC was played later in the evening. The match ended in favor of the NSC, who secured a 2–0 victory.
The grand finale of the Diamond Jubilee celebration will hold on Friday, October 31, 2025, featuring the SWAN Full Council Meeting, investiture of national patrons, presentation of awards, and the launch of the SWAN House Appeal Fund; a key project aimed at strengthening the association’s institutional legacy.
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