The Ebonyi State Council of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has congratulated the newly re-elected and elected national officers of the association, describing their emergence as an opportunity to strengthen the unity, professionalism and growth of sports journalism in Nigeria.
The council conveyed its congratulations in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress held on Thursday at the SWAN Secretariat, Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The congress, presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, specifically congratulated the National President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Ikenna Okonkwo, on their successful re-election for a second term.
The council also congratulated Comrade Ijeoma Nwante on her re-election as National Financial Secretary and Comrade Ikem Asika on his emergence as National Vice-President representing the South-East.
The Ebonyi council commended members and stakeholders whose support, according to it, contributed to the successful outcome of the national triennial congress.
It described the emergence of Asika as particularly significant to the South-East, including Ebonyi State, noting that effective regional representation was essential to advancing the interests of members within the national structure.
However, the council called for greater consultation, transparency, inclusiveness and effective communication in future SWAN electoral processes.
It said lessons from the recent national exercise underscored the need for early stakeholder engagement and clearer communication on candidate identification, zoning arrangements and other electoral issues.
The congress also called for a more structured and inclusive framework for future South-East zonal consultations to ensure that the legitimate interests and aspirations of state councils and members were adequately considered.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with other South-East councils and the national leadership while protecting the legitimate interests of its members and preserving the unity of the association.
It urged members to avoid actions, misinformation and disagreements capable of undermining the cohesion, credibility and bargaining position of Ebonyi SWAN at the zonal and national levels.
The congress reaffirmed the commitment of the Ebonyi council to internal democracy, members’ welfare, professional excellence and responsible sports journalism, while pledging continued support for the development of sports and the growth of the association.
