By Saidu Abubakar, Kaduna
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has announced plans to confer a Special Recognition Award on Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka (Nwachigoziri-1), as part of activities marking the Association’s 60th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) celebration.
Chief Chukwuemeka, a former national officer of SWAN and now Director of Football at the ABS FC, will be honoured for his recognized outstanding contributions to sports journalism and administration in Nigeria.
According to a letter of notification from the SWAN national secretariat, dated 13th October 2025 and signed by the National Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, the recognition is in appreciation of Chukwuemeka’s unquantifiable impact on the growth and development of sports writing in Nigeria.
The letter described Chief Chukwuemeka as “a renowned sports writer and a seasoned sports administrator whose dedication and service have continued to inspire generations within the sporting fraternity.”
The Special Recognition Award will be presented to him during the Diamond Jubilee celebration scheduled for October 29th to 31st 2025 in Abuja, where other distinguished individuals and stakeholders will also be honoured for their contributions to sports and journalism.
Also slated for honouring is the immediate past Deputy National President of SWAN, Alhaji Sadiq Moyoyo on the same account of contributions to the development of sports writing and sports generally, as indicated in SWAN’s letter to him.
Moyoyo had also served on different occasions as chairman of Taraba SWAN and Vice President in charge of the North-East zone. He recently retired meritoriously from the Taraba State Broadcasting service.
In an appreciation, elated Alhaji Moyoyo, through purveyor.com.ng, extended his heartfelt pleasure on being selected as one of the recipients of the SWAN Veteran Journalist Award during the 60th Anniversary celebration in Abuja. “This recognition is a testament to past leaderships’ dedication and service as national leaders of SWAN”.
Another former national officer to also be honoured by SWAN at the occasion is Ado Salisu, former Vice President in charge of the North-West zone.
SWAN is appreciative of the Kano-born veteran sports broadcaster, in recognition of his over three decades of service to the sports media industry. The recipient, SWAN said in its letter to him, had played prominent roles in the life span of the Association.
Reacting, an elated Ado Salisu said “it gladdens my heart; this is an indication that my services were well recorded and appreciated. I am pleased that I am being appreciated for my contributions to SWAN and sports in general.”
He urged young sports writers to cultivate the spirit of selflessness and doggedness, stressing that the terrain could be rough, but without the vibrancy of sporting press and members of its constituency, the industry cannot thrive.
Ado Salisu reached the pinnacle of his sports journalism career as a reporter with the renowned Triumph Newspaper before moving to ARTV Kano, where he took a bow, on completion of his years of meritorious service.
