House of Representatives Committee on Sports Chairman, Honourable Ekene Abubakar, Adams has emphasized the key role the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) plays in development of the sports sector in the country.
Hon. Abubakar spoke when SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, led some members of his national executive and others on a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly (NASS) on Tuesday August 29, 2023.
The lawmaker who represents Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency in Kaduna state said the committee will carry SWAN along in all its activities.
“I want to tell you, for any stakeholder who wants to be successful he must agree that SWAN is one of the key stakeholders to succeed,” he said.
According to him, the importance attached to SWAN, forced him to receive the team.
“People are on recess, but we are in the office, to ensure we deliver results,” he said.
Speaking further, he assured to partner SWAN.
“Mr. President, I want to assure you that our doors are opened, any request you have, don’t hesitate to let us know.
“I believe our dear minister that has come in is a humble person that would listen to us. He should not forget SWAN is a critical stakeholder that he must work with,” he said.
“Our doors are open, that’s why I have four of your colleagues, working in this office.
“I appreciate you all for being here with me and the courtesy visit paid.
“I congratulate you on your emergence as SWAN President and I pray we do all possible to ensuring the growth of sports,” he said.
SWAN Mr. Benjamin earlier in his remarks, explained that while he was SWAN Chairman in Kaduna State, Hon. Ekene gave the chapter all the needed support.
On behalf of SWAN, he congratulated him for his recent victory at the Tribunal for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
“Indeed it is a well deserved victory at the polls and at the tribunal. Your appointment as Hoise Committee on Sports is the best and I am sure sports will take a higher path. We want to say you have started well and to encourage you to keep doing more,” he said.
He tasked him to carry SWAN along in all his programmes and activities.
“If you see the calibre of those here, you will know what that means, we mean business. We solicit that you carry us along in all that you are doing and we won’t disappoint you.
“Sports has no tribe, no religion, no political party, but all about peace. Our doors are always open, always reach out to us. Thank you for welcoming us in your office,” he said.
Deputy chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Honourable Muhammed Buba Jajere, welcomed the SWAN team.
“I want to plead with you guys to give us, not only him, the necessary support to move sports forward.
“We are not where we used to be. We need to put heads together, identify the problems and I am sure if we put heads together, we will get it right,” he said.
Some of those who accompanied the SWAN President on the visit, include National Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, former Secretary General, Mr. Andrew Abah, his successor, Mr. Jude Opara, Elder Asueliemen Osasuyi, Elder Lucky Isawode. Leadership Newspapers Sports Editor, Salifu Usman and Abuja Chapter chairman, Ndubueze Chidoka, amongst others.
