OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at the national level has re-validated Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, governor of Rivers State as the sole patron of the association just as the Rivers State Chapter of SWAN conferred on him the position of Grand Patron.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media made available to the National Reformer via mail.
Speaking at the ceremony in Government House, Port Harcourt, Mr. Honour Sirawoo, national president, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) disclosed that 19 out of the 22 members of the National Executive Committee voted in favour of the exercise.
He said that SWAN had to embark on the re-validation of Patrons, because many of her patrons are no longer functional.
According to Mr. Soar woo, “as it is this moment, Governor Wike is the only authentic SWAN Patron. What Governor Wike has done for sports development is fantastic. This is a call for greater service to the association. We rely on our patrons to play their role in sports development.”
Responding, Governor Wike of Rivers State stated that the honour is to Rivers State because he is a symbol of the state, he pledged to continue to work for sports development, noting that sports is a national unifier.
According to Governor Wike, “one thing that unites the country is sports. Anybody who believes in the unity of the country has no option but to support sports”.
The Governor said that the way SWAN has been promoting sports is commendable, he urged the association to remain focused in sports development to the advantage of the country.
The governor assured that the Rivers State Government will never betray the confidence SWAN reposed in him and by extension Rivers State Government.
Governor Wike commended the National Executive Committee of SWAN for their role in the award of Power of Sports by the International Sports Press Association slated for Brussels on May 8, 2018.
Former SWAN National Presidents, Saidu Abubakar, Olu Amadasun and Steve Alabi in their separate remarks said that Governor Wike merits the honour by the National Executive Committee of SWAN.
Earlier, the Rivers State SWAN Chairman, Mr Sopriala Bobmanuel recounted the achievements of the Rivers State Governor, which formed the premise upon which the association decided to make him their grand patron.
