SWAN @60: Ebonyi Business Mogul To Receive Honour for Promoting Grassroots Sports

With just 20 days to the 60th anniversary celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi-born business mogul and Chief Executive Officer of Smart and Trusted Business Group, High Chief (Dr) Williams Chibuike Nwobo, has pledged strong support for the association’s Diamond Jubilee celebration scheduled to hold from October 29 to 31, 2025.

Chief Nwobo made the pledge when members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of SWAN paid him a courtesy visit at his Abuja office.

The philanthropist, who also sponsors the annual Unity Cup in Ebonyi State, assured the delegation of his organization’s commitment to the success of the anniversary, promising to provide necessary support to ensure a memorable event. "You can be assured that we will support you to succeed. I sincerely appreciate the planners of this event for finding me worthy and recognizing what I do in my little corner. I never knew anyone was watching. I’m only contributing my quota to the community that raised me, and I’m most grateful for this,” Chief Nwobo said.

Describing sports as a unifying force, the real estate mogul emphasized his belief in sports as a tool for national integration and peace building. “Sports is one thing that unites the nation. Even in times of crisis, sports continue to thrive. It brings people of different tribes and religions together to speak in one voice,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, SWAN Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, announced that the association had identified Chief Nwobo for a special recognition award in appreciation of his immense contributions to grassroots sports development in Ebonyi State. Also speaking, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Ben Ogbemudia, explained that the recognition aims not only to appreciate Chief Nwobo’s efforts but also to inspire him and others to continue using sports as a tool for unity and youth empowerment.

SWAN National Financial Secretary, Ijeoma Peter-Nwante, commended Chief Nwobo for his consistent support of sports initiatives and urged him not to relent in his commitment to promoting community harmony through sports. Other members of the SWAN delegation included Friday Joshua, Assistant Secretary of the FCT Chapter, and Emmanuel Fashemi of Radio Nigeria.