BY NONYELUM JULIET
Kaduna
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, saying the nation’s sporting sector is beginning to regain lost ground despite years of challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, described Nigeria’s sports journey as turbulent but marked with significant gains.
“The past decade and more in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem has been turbulent. However, I strongly believe in what the future holds. With the ongoing efforts under the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, there is renewed light for Nigerian sports to reclaim its lost glory,” he said.
Benjamin noted that Nigeria is gradually regaining attention on the global sporting stage, pointing to the country’s push to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games as a major development.
“The last time Nigeria hosted a major international sporting event was in 2003. The absence of such opportunities has cost us immensely in revenue, foreign exchange, and global visibility. Hosting the Commonwealth Games will mark a new dawn for Nigerian sports,” he added.
The SWAN President also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing elections into National Sports Federations, urging the National Sports Commission to sustain the tempo. He advised contestants to demonstrate maturity and sportsmanship during and after the polls.
Benjamin assured that SWAN will continue to play its watchdog role in ensuring transparency and accountability in sports administration, while supporting efforts aimed at driving sustainable development in the sector.
