Ebonyi: SWAN Reiterates Commitment To Promotion of Sports, Honours Idike

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, has honoured the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Richard Ugo Idike, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development and youth engagement in the state.

Speaking during the grand finale of the 2025 SWAN Week held in Abakaliki, the state chairman of SWAN, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, described the day as a milestone in the history of sports journalism in Ebonyi State. He noted that after over 17 years of inactivity in the sector, the association has bounced back with renewed vigour to promote and project sports activities across the state.

According to Comrade Nwogha, the 2025 SWAN Week was not just a celebration, but a testament to the resilience and unity of purpose among sports Journalists in the state. “We are here not only to celebrate but to reaffirm our commitment to sports reporting and development,” he said. He commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for appointing a visionary leader like Hon. Idike, whose efforts have brought renewed energy to the sporting community. “The acquisition of the state football team and attention to other sporting disciplines are clear signs that Ebonyi is on the path of sporting excellence,” he added. In recognition of his efforts, SWAN presented an award to Honourable Prince Richard Idike, which was received on his behalf at the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Block 9, Centenary City, Abakaliki, due to his absence during the main ceremony. Comrade Nwogha highlighted the importance of sports as a tool for unity, youth engagement, and economic development. “There was a time sports was relegated to the background, but today we are seeing a revival,” he said. In his response, Hon. Richard Ugo-Idike expressed gratitude to the leadership of Ebonyi SWAN for the honour and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that would uplift sports in the state. He encouraged the association to maintain its momentum and continue to serve as the voice and conscience of sports development in Ebonyi. “Sports writers play a vital role in image-making and publicising the achievements of our athletes and teams. Your work is invaluable,” he said. Idike also used the occasion to thank Governor Nwifuru for his unwavering support, noting that the governor’s vision for youth empowerment through sports was already yielding results. He emphasised that sports can play a critical role in addressing youth unemployment and creating opportunities for talent discovery. He also announced that Abakaliki Football Club has qualified for the round of 16 in the Nigerian Nationwide Football League, describing the feat as a sign of better things to come. “We are proud of our team’s performance, and we remain hopeful that they will continue to make Ebonyi proud,” he stated. Also, Comrade Nwogha praised the Commissioner for his accessibility and dedication, noting that the renewed energy in sports was a direct result of responsive leadership. The vote of thanks was delivered by Comrade Israel Ekene, who appreciated the successful hosting of the SWAN Week and reaffirmed the association’s support for the commissioner and the state government. He also pledged continuous collaboration between SWAN and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports to ensure that the gains in the sector are sustained. With the renewed synergy between sports journalists and the state government, the future of sports in Ebonyi looks bright and promising.