By Andrew Abah, Abuja
President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, has commended the initiator of the Mark D’Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, for his immense contributions to basketball development in Nigeria, describing his achievements in the sport as indisputable.
Comrade Benjamin gave the commendation on Friday when he led members of the National Executive Committee on a courtesy visit to the basketball promoter in Abuja.
Acknowledging the huge investments Mr. Mark has made in basketball, the SWAN President said his track record qualifies him to lead basketball in the country.
“We want to appreciate the good work you have done in basketball. As partners in progress, we are here to show our commitment and, as watchdogs of the society, we report activities as they unfold in every sporting sector. We have watched from afar everything you have been doing in your capacity, and we are happy with what you are doing.
“We are also aware that you are aspiring for the NBBF Presidency. However, for your efforts and contributions to basketball, you deserve it. We don’t do endorsements, but we tell people those who are fit for leadership,” Benjamin stated.
He urged basketball stakeholders to shun sentiments and personal gains and to elect leaders with proven track records to lead the sport.
Responding, Mr. Igoche Mark thanked the SWAN national leadership for the visit and appreciated the association for its role in sports development in Nigeria. He urged members to remain objective in their reportage and to offer constructive criticism when necessary.
“I thank you all for this courtesy visit, and I must say, SWAN plays a vital role in sports development in Nigeria because you are the mouthpiece of sports through your coverage, and I am very happy with what SWAN is doing. I want to urge you to always report the truth and tell us what we are not doing right so that we can have meaningful development,” Mark stated.
He called for a stronger partnership between SWAN and the Mark D’Ball initiative, assuring the association that it would be carried along in its forthcoming programmes.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of SWAN, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, commended the Mark D’Ball Basketball Championship, noting that the initiative has contributed significantly to the growth of basketball in Nigeria.
