By joshua 
Nasarawa SWAN decorates Gov Sule as Patron
From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has been decorated as Grand Patron of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), Nasarawa State Chapter.
The event took place recently when the State chairman of the association, Comrade Smah George led the association’s National President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, Secretary General, Ikenna Okonkwo and other members of the union on a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullah Sule at Government House ,Lafia.
Speaking during the event, Comrade George said the appointment of Governor Sule was due to his laudable achievements in the state, particularly in the sports sector.
“Your Excellency’s leadership, vision and commitment to sports development in Nasarawa State and Nigeria make you an ideal figure to serve as our Grand Patron.
“Your endorsement will significantly enhance our efforts in achieving our set goals as sports journalists and further project the achievements of your administration in the sports industry,” he said.
He congratulated the governor on the promotion of Nasarawa United FC and FC Basira to the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season and Nigeria National League Season, respectively .
The chairman also appreciated the governor for appointing of one of the association’s members, Eche Amos, as the media officer the Nasarawa United FC.
He, therefore reassured of the association’s readiness to partner the state for the growth and development of sporting activities in the state.
On his part, the National President of SWAN, Comrade Benjamin Isaiah, commended the Governor for all his support to SWAN in the state and commitment to the development of sports in the state.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the Governor to sponsor the next National Executive Council ( NEC) meeting of SWAN saying : “The meeting comprises all the National Executives of the Association as well as representatives of the States’ Chapters.This will further open the vista for us to brainstorm on other areas of sports development in the State.”
Responding, Governor Sule who accepted the appointment, thanked the leadership of SWAN in the state the honour and promised to support the association’s aim and objectives.
The Governor said that the state has great potentials in various areas including in the Sports sector and urged sports journalists to promote sports and young talents through their reportage.
He, therefore granted the request of the
National President, Comrade Isaiah, to host the SWAN NECMeeting saying”I will be happy to host the SWAN NEC Meeting in Nasarawa State as it will help to expose the potentials we have in the State to the outside world, thereby promoting what we are doing here, at almost no cost.”
Some of the highlights of the visit included; the presentation of a letter designating the Governor as Grand Patron and his decoration by Comrade Isaiah, President of the Association, and Comrade George, Chairman of the State SWAN chapter.