02/10/2025
Excitement as Ekiti SWAN Launches Sports Team, Honours Senate Leader, Traditional Rulers, Others at Special Oct. 1 Ceremony
Wednesday October 1, 2025 has gone down in history as indelible for members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ekiti State as the association held a special program to commemorate the 29th year of Ekiti State Creation and 65th year of Nigeria's independence.
The event tagged OCTOBER 1 EKITI SWAN 3 in 1 featured programs like novelty football match, investiture and awards at a popular events center in Ado Ekiti, Ball & Ball Events Center.
According to the SWAN's chairman Program Planning Committee, comrade Demola Atobaba said, "It was an occasion for all members to unite and celebrate and honour some eminent personalities who have contributed directly or indirectly to the development of Sports in Ekiti State".
Some of the personalities honoured were the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) and the President of Agbeyewa Foundation, Mr Olaniyi John who were named the Grand Patrons of SWAN in Ekiti State.
The duo of Otunba Olayisade Ojo (President of Jaytee Ojo FC) and Hon Kola Adu became the Patrons of the Association while the special awards were given to the trio of Dr Olusola Osetoba as Most Sports Friendly Personality, Hon Bimbo Daramola as the Most Creative Sports Inclined Initiative Award winner and Hon Prince Micheal Ogungbemi as the Best Sports Passionate Local Government Chairman.
Four journalists within and outside the country namely Hon Mary Oso-Omotoso (DG Bureau of Community Communications) , Mr Rotimi Arabi (USA) , Mr Ayodeji Okunuga (UK) and Mr Damilola Amuda (UK) were honoured as Ekiti SWAN Ambassadors in recognition of their undying commitment to Sports development through their expertise.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of brand new sets of jersey to three groups namely SWAN, NASFAT YOUTH and Correctional Center.
The jersey which were unveiled and donated to the groups by chairman SWAN, Ekiti State , Qozeem Oladapo was specially dedicated to the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji in acknowledgement and appreciation of his commitment to Sports development since his assumption of office in 2022.
Oladapo who is also a member of the State Sports Development Trust Fund and Sports Director, Ekiti State University Alumni Association said the governor has surpassed the expectations of the people especially Sports journalists considering his exploits in the Sports sector, though he said official statement of the association on the assessment of the governor's performance will be made public in the coming days.
The SWAN Chairman thanked all those who believe in him and SWAN for supporting the initiative especially the newly established G4 Fitness Center along Adebayo Lane in Ado Ekiti.
Members of SWAN had earlier in the day gone for free fitness exercise at the G4 Fitness Center where they had access to sophisticated fitness equipment alongside several other members of the public.
The dignitaries applauded the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ekiti State for its efforts at promoting and projecting grassroots Sports and also acknowledging the efforts of Sports passionate individuals in the society.
Some of those honoured offered financial support towards the Association programs with a promise to continually rise to the occasion whenever the need arises.
The friendly match which was part of the programs of the day paired the newly formed SWAN UNITED against NASFAT YOUTH as both teams settled for a 3 all draw after an entertaining encounter.
Members of SWAN were delighted to be part of the event as the chairman of the SWAN Programs Planning Committee (SPPC) Demola Atobaba commended the team spirit that prevailed among members before , during and after the event with an assurance that more programs ahead of the association with the approval of the executive will be geared towards entrenching unity among members, reposition the association and broaden it's visibility.
In attendance at the occasion were the Vice President Southwest SWAN , Ayodeji Ogunsakin, pioneer chairman of SWAN in Ekiti State , Mr Toyin Ayoola and his successor, Mr Bayo Babalola who all congratulated the SWAN members on the successful and colorful event with a call on members not to relent.
