From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State was officially decorated as the Grand Patron of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State Chapter, during a ceremony at the Government House, Lafia, yesterday.
The governor, while expressing his gratitude for the honour, pledged his commitment to supporting the association and its members.
“I want to thank you for the honor done to me today,” he said. “When Eche Amos reached out, I didn’t expect such a large delegation, including the SWAN National President and the Secretary-General, alongside key commissioners and officials from the state.”
Governor Sule emphasized his respect for competence and hard work, commending Eche Amos, a member of SWAN, for his role in facilitating the event.
“I have great respect for Eche Amos. He made this meeting possible, and I admire his dedication. We have great potential in Nasarawa State, particularly in sports, and I am committed to promoting and developing talent in this area,” he added.
The governor highlighted recent achievements, including the success of Ismail Shuaibu, a young tennis player from Nasarawa, who placed third in a national tournament and is now attracting attention from international organizations.
In response to a request from SWAN National President, Comrade Benjamin Isaiah, to host the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nasarawa State, Governor Sule expressed his enthusiasm.
“I will be happy to host the SWAN NEC meeting here in Nasarawa. It will promote the state’s potential at almost no cost,” he said.
Earlier, SWAN Nasarawa Chairman, Comrade Smah George, congratulated the governor on the promotion of Nasarawa United FC and FC Basira to the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nigeria National League, respectively. He also expressed gratitude for the appointment of Eche Amos to the board of Nasarawa United FC.
“We are proud of his appointment. It is well-deserved considering his dedication to sports journalism and development in the state,” George stated.
Explaining the rationale behind appointing Governor Sule as the Grand Patron, the SWAN chairman praised the governor’s achievements in the sports sector.
“We have monitored your accomplishments, which are remarkable. Your leadership and vision in sports development make you an ideal figure to serve as our Grand Patron,” George added.
SWAN National President, Comrade Benjamin Isaiah, also commended Governor Sule for his support to the association, particularly through Amos’s appointment. He further requested the governor’s assistance with providing a bus and a secretariat for SWAN Nasarawa, emphasizing the importance of these resources in promoting the state’s image.
“I also appeal for your sponsorship of our next National Executive Council meeting in Nasarawa. This will allow us to brainstorm on furthering sports development in the state,” Isaiah said.
Among those in attendance were Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development, Jafaru Ango, Commisioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Ibrahim Uthman Angbolo, alongside other government officials and SWAN leaders.
Sunday sun Reports that the event culminated in the presentation of a letter of appointment to Governor Sule and his decoration as Grand Patron, performed by the SWAN Nasarawa Chairman and the SWAN National President.