By Musa Kutama, Calabar
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has pledged to partner the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to make the Association’s 60th Anniversary a grand success.
Ali M. Ali, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NAN made the decision when he and the management team received members of the SWAN@60 Anniversary Local Organising Committee (LOC) at the Agency’s National Headquarters, Abuja.
The SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Awards ceremony is scheduled for between Oct.29 and Oct. 31 in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of SWAN@60 signed by Chimezie Anaso and Hembadoon Orsa, its chairman and secretary respectively on Thursday.
The statement quoted Ali as congratulating SWAN for attaining 60 years of impactful service.
Ali’s word: “60 years of existence was a milestone which was worth celebrating, adding that journalists often spent their lives promoting others and that it was only fitting that they celebrated themselves.”
The NAN Chief Executive applauded sports journalists for their professionalism and versatility, noting that many had distinguished themselves as editors and media leaders beyond the sports beat.
He assured the body of sports writers of the full support of the Management and Board of NAN as media partners in its 60th anniversary celebration.
He commended Victor Okoye, the Vice Chairman of Abuja chapter of SWAN and a staff of the Agency for his active leadership and dedication to the association.
“After the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), SWAN is one of the oldest professional associations in Nigerian journalism. 60 years is no small feat.
“There is a need for wellness and fitness among journalists. We in NAN have established a modern gym to encourage healthy living among its staff.
“Journalists work under immense pressure and often neglect their health. Here in NAN, we believe a healthy workforce is essential for productivity.
“So, I encourage SWAN to keep promoting the culture of wellness and fitness across newsrooms,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Ikenna Okonkwo, commended NAN for its immense contribution to the media industry, journalism profession and sports development in Nigeria.
Okonkwo, who led members of the SWAN @60 Local Organising Committee (LOC), said the visit was part of ongoing engagements with strategic media partners to ensure the success of the association’s diamond jubilee celebration.
According to him, we are here to formally ask for the support of the Chief Executive Officer and Board of NAN to make the SWAN @60 celebration a resounding success.
“For six decades, SWAN has championed sports journalism in Nigeria and has remained committed to promoting the nation’s sporting heroes.
“We believe NAN’s partnership will add immense value to this milestone,” he said.
Also in the team that visited were Ijeoma Nwante, national financial secretary of SWAN, Ben Ogbemudia, chairman of the SWAN@60; Anietie Patrick, secretary; Ndubueze Chidoka, Kelechi Onwudiwe, and Arinzechi.
