By Israel Mbam
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN is set to honour Ebonyi State Governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as Grand Patron and other sports promoters who shall be unvieled as Ebonyi Youth and sports Development Ambassadors. Chairman of SWAN in the State, Comrade Ndubusi Andy Nwogha revealed this in a press briefing in Abakaliki.
The seven-day celebration of SWAN Week was aimed at promoting sports journalism and development in the state. It was officially declared open with the press conference held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of SWAN Ebonyi State, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the First Lady, Her Excellency Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for their relentless efforts in advancing sports in the state. He commended their unwavering commitment to harnessing the talents and potentials of youths for the overall development of Ebonyi State through sports and human capacity building.
Comrade Nwogha also acknowledged the contributions of the Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Richard Idike, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports and Youths Development, Hon. Victor Nwoke, alongside other sports enthusiasts. He urged the state government to expedite the ongoing construction of the multimillion-naira ultramodern Olympic Stadium in Abakaliki, emphasizing that such a facility would enable the state to host international sporting events and provide a professional pathway for aspiring athletes. He further called for a review of the stadium’s contract to ensure strict adherence to contractual agreements for quality assurance and timely completion.
Highlighting the importance of sports in societal development, Hon. Victor Nwoke, who represents the Abakaliki North Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, enumerated various benefits of sports, including improved mental health, stress reduction, social bonding, job creation, and tourism promotion. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting sports initiatives in the state and encouraged SWAN members to remain dedicated to reporting sports activities for the betterment of the society.
As part of the SWAN Week lineup, the Committee Chairman of the 2025 SWAN Week, Comrade Israel Mbam, outlined the daily activities planned for the event. He announced that on Thursday 3rd April 2025, the association would unveil the Sports Ambassadors of the Year in recognition of their outstanding contributions to sports development. He also disclosed that there would be a significant discussion on the topic “Harnessing Sports Talents Amidst Dwindling Economy” on that same Thursday, aimed at encouraging well-meaning individuals and investors to explore opportunities in the sports sector.
The ongoing SWAN Week serves as a platform to recognize and promote the role of sports in youth empowerment and state development while reinforcing the call for increased investment in sports infrastructure and talent development in Ebonyi State.