Disregard Mischief Makers, Full Council Meeting To Go On As Scheduled – SWAN Leadership Affirms*

The National leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has dismissed fake write-up by few disgruntled elements and asserted that the its scheduled Full Council Meeting between May 1 and 3, 2024 in Kano is on course.

A statement by SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Wednesday affirmed that already the National Executive Committee (NEC) and state delegates are trooping in en masse into the ancient City of Kano.

President Benjamin said the Mischief makers after failing to scuttle top level arrangements in place to hold annual SWAN Full Council Meeting, have resorted to spreading unfounded rumours.

“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t bother replying them, but to keep setting the records straight, SWAN as a professional body is one and has remained so. The few Mischief makers who have made all fruitless efforts to factionalise the Association have resorted to parading fake news.

“These elements who are less than six individuals out of teaming and focused SWAN members, are not even part of us. They only parade themselves and very soon, the wrath of the law will clamp down on them,” he said.

While wishing NEC members, State Chairmen and Secretaries a safe and fulfilling stay in Kano, the SWAN President said, “SWAN is now stronger than ever. That is why those who hate progress and are not members of the Association are not happy.

“In the past few days, they even went as far as procuring a kangaroo court injunction to stop the Full Council meeting but failed. They now resort to making non-existing claims as well as parading irrelevant contents, laced with unfounded rumours. This is because they are aware the impact which decisions at meeting will make.

“Despite all these, SWAN leaders and indeed members have remained united as ever in all parts of the country.”

The SWAN President also revealed that the invited Special Guests from various states, some of who will be honoured during the Full Council gathering have reached out to him and SWAN Organising Committees to confirm their availability for the historic event.

Ikenna Okonkwo
Secretary-General, SWAN
May 1, 2024