EA set of new executives that will be steering the affairs of the Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria,SWAN, Ogun state Council has been elected.
Taiwo Fabajo emerged as the vice chairman, Segun Folarin of Paramount FM emerged as the secretary, Michael Adesanya emerged as Treasurer and Bayo Adegboyega emerged Assistant Secretary of the association.
The new SWAN chairman in his acceptance speech called on the State Government through the Ministry of Youths and Sports to consider monthly disbursement of stipend for the smooth running of the association.
He also called on the state government to give the SWAN secretariat a facelift through concrete construction of the walls to further secure properties of the Association.
The lead editor Encourter news online also appealed to the State Ministry of Youths and Sports, State Sports Council, Chairmen of different sports associations and philanthropists to recognize and consider SWAN as partners in progress in the development of sports in Ogun State, Nigeria and the world at large.
The speech reads “To our amiable Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports, we request for monthly stipend from the State Ministry of Youths and Sports for the smooth running of the SWAN secretariat just as it is obtainable for SWAN in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Delta, Rivers and Imo states.
“This little gesture will further strengthen the relationship between the sports writers and the Ministry as partners in progress.
“We also seek the ministry’s approval to permanently give this secretariat a facelift through concrete construction of the walls to further secure our property as our property has been vandalized countless times.
“I want to appeal to the State Ministry of Youths and Sports, State Sports Council, Chairman of different sports associations and philanthropists to recognize and consider SWAN as partners in progress in the development of sports in Ogun State, Nigeria and the world at large.
“My gratitude and praise go to Almighty Allah, the one who gives power to whomever he deems fit, and taketh same as He pleases, the one who makes what humans have said can never be possible nor a reality, the one who gives assurances and never reneges.
“God Almighty is the one who deserves all glory for my emergence today as the Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun State chapter.
“The roles played by outgone State Chairman, Comrade Akeem Akintunde in seeing me emerge as his successor cannot be ignored
“He has simply shown belief and faith in my capacity, competence and character to continue the struggle from where he had taken it to. I am forever grateful to you. You can be rest assured that my team and I shall keep the flag flying and shall never bring you shame.
“My deepest gratitude will also go to our past chairmen and those individuals whose names I will rather not mention in this speech but who know themselves and the roles they played in seeing my emergence become a reality.
“I will forever remain grateful to these individuals and people for their steadfastness, commitment, dedication and forthrightness towards a good cause.
“I should not end my appreciation without my humble gratitude going to the former National Vice President of SWAN, Deacon Ayokunle Oluwusi including Chairmen from other states of the federation for their encouragement, support and solidarity while the election process was going on.
‘Your inspiring words were motivating enough to make me believe in my capacity to take the reins of leadership without fear.
“To my wonderful team, I congratulate us all on our victory. There is no doubt that we are not the best in terms of intelligence, wisdom, brilliance, social exposure, temperament, spirituality and best leadership qualities among the sports writers in the State but one thing I am convinced about is that we are one of the luckiest and divinely favoured to have received God’s blessings and approval to lead the Association, an Association of sound knowledgeable and academically strong membership.
“Ogun SWAN perhaps, is the most exciting Association to lead because it is led by men and women of nobility, integrity, advanced knowledge, critical mindedness and the uncommon ability to say ‘NO’ to shady dealings.
“I have passed through the leadership cadre as Assistant Secretary, and Secretary of this association, including being a caretaker committee Treasurer of Ogun NUJ which prepared me fully to take up this leadership mantle.
“We are poised to continue to reconfigure the Association to the envy and admiration of everyone within and outside its fold.
To our amiable, level-headed State Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, CON and his progressive government, our profound gratitude also goes to him and his government for winning the right to host the 22nd National Sports Festival in 2024. No doubt, this milestone achievement will further improve the socio-economy of the state.
“However, SWAN, as a critical stakeholder, will continue to hold his government accountable and responsive to the plight and welfare of athletes in the state and development of sports.
