The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has re-elected Isaiah Benjamin (JP) as its National President for a second three-year term, following the conclusion of the association’s 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress in Kaduna on Friday.
Benjamin, who was the incumbent president, was returned unopposed at the congress, which brought together delegates from SWAN state chapters across the country to review the activities of the association and elect a new National Executive Council.
The election, held on August 28, was largely peaceful, with voting required for only two positions — Deputy President and Vice President, North-East Zone.
In the contest for Deputy President, Nyong Bonny Silas of Akwa Ibom State defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra State by 21 votes to 14.
One ballot was declared void, bringing the total number of votes cast in the contest to 36.
Similarly, Samuel Gangwaja of Adamawa State emerged Vice President, North-East Zone, after defeating the incumbent, Ahmed Kagana Amshi of Yobe State.
Gangwaja polled four votes against Amshi’s two to secure the mandate to represent the North-East Zone on the national executive council.
Other positions were filled unopposed, effectively paving the way for the inauguration of the new leadership team for another three-year tenure.
Those elected into the National Executive Council include Ikenna Okonkwo as Secretary-General; Samuel Ahmadu, Deputy Secretary-General; Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde, Treasurer; and Ijeoma Peter-Nwante, Financial Secretary.
At the zonal level, Gangwaja will serve as Vice President, North-East; Zaharadeen Saleh, Vice President, North-West; Azuka Chiemeka, Vice President, South-South; Ikemefuna Asika, Vice President, South-East; and Ayodeji Ogunsakin, Vice President, South-West.
Following the election, the newly elected officers were sworn into office by Sir Ben Churchill Aniekwena, Esq., of Juris Consults, Kaduna State.
Addressing members shortly after taking the oath of office, Benjamin thanked delegates for renewing their confidence in his leadership and pledged to work in the collective interest of sports journalists across Nigeria.
He identified the welfare of members as a major priority of his second term, while also promising to strengthen the association and improve the capacity of sports journalists to effectively discharge their professional responsibilities.
Benjamin further called on members to unite and put the politics of the election behind them, stressing that the development of SWAN required the collective commitment of its members and leadership structures.
According to him, the success of the new administration would depend largely on the cooperation of state chapters, zonal structures and individual members.
The re-election of Benjamin marks the commencement of another three-year tenure for the SWAN leadership, with the new executive expected to consolidate ongoing initiatives while advancing the professional welfare and development of sports journalists nationwide.
