BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Sunday congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on his 74th birthday, lauding his commitment to advancing sports development across the country.
In a statement conveyed through SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association’s President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, praised Tinubu’s leadership and the positive impact of his policies on Nigerian youths and the nation’s sporting landscape.
Benjamin described the President as a focused leader whose initiatives are inspiring young Nigerians to discover and harness their sporting talents.
He commended Tinubu’s appointment and retention of top professionals, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, as Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, calling it “top notch.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is making a very clear statement with the genuine interest he has in sports development. From the significant increase in the annual sports budget to enhanced welfare packages for athletes, particularly those representing the nation, the impact is evident,” Benjamin said.
He added that unlike previous administrations, Tinubu ensures athletes receive their allowances promptly and that victorious athletes and officials are recognised with Presidential awards almost immediately.
According to Benjamin, at 74, the President continues to leverage sports as a platform for national renewal and transformation. He highlighted ongoing plans to revitalise the country’s sports infrastructure, describing the initiatives of the National Sports Commission as promising steps toward reversing decades of decay.
He prayed that God grants President Tinubu many more years of good health to lead Nigeria to greater heights.
