Abuja: The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has launched a N2 billion appeal fund aimed at constructing its headquarters building in Abuja. This significant initiative was announced by the National President of SWAN, Isaiah Benjamin, during the association’s 60th-anniversary celebration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Benjamin expressed gratitude to the members of SWAN for their dedication over the years, emphasizing the importance of having a permanent headquarters for the organization. He highlighted that a 60-year-old institution like SWAN deserves a dedicated space that reflects its maturity and significance in the realm of sports journalism.
Benjamin remarked on SWAN’s pivotal role in Nigerian sports, noting its impact in shaping narratives and chronicling key moments in the nation’s sporting history. He emphasized that SWAN has been instrumental in amplifying the stories of athletes, administrators, and communities, and the new headquarters would serve as a central hub for continuing this important work.
Furthermore, Benjamin articulated that the 60th-anniversary celebration was not only about acknowledging the association’s longevity but also about reaffirming its mission in sports journalism. He stressed the importance of sports reporting in building connections between athletes and fans, as well as between sports policy and performance across generations in Nigeria.
The appeal for support to construct the SWAN house in Abuja was underlined as a critical step for the organization, marking its journey from its inception in 1964 to its diamond jubilee. Although the 60th anniversary was reached in 2024, the celebration was scheduled for 2025 to ensure wider participation and acknowledgment of this milestone.