… Says I am here to listen, learn and to lead with transparency and dedication
In a historic and momentous event, the Plateau State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) held its elective congress on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Mees Palace. Supervised by National SWAN Ex-Officio Alhaji Usman Abbas Shehu, the election was lauded as peaceful and conducted in accordance with the statutes of the Association’s National Secretariat.
The election saw the unopposed emergence of Alfred Saiki as Chairman, alongside his Vice Chairman, Sammy Adesoji; Treasurer, Kaneng Ladoja; and Assistant Secretary, Rhairom Zamora. Their swearing-in ceremony was officiated by Commissioner of Oaths and legal practitioner, Barrister Arin Yako.
Delivering his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Alfred Saiki, expressed humility and gratitude, emphasizing his commitment to fostering unity, transparency, and growth within the Association. “It is with great honor and a humbling sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the newly elected Chairman of this esteemed Association. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me. I pledge to uphold and advance the values of SWAN, while keeping the welfare of our members at the forefront of every decision we make. I am here to listen, to learn, and to lead with transparency and dedication,” he said.
Saiki highlighted the critical role sportswriters play in celebrating athletes and heroes, bringing sports stories to life, and strengthening the Association’s collective impact. He also outlined a clear vision for his tenure, focusing on the following key priorities:
Supporting Members Actively: Ensuring every member feels protected, valued, and encouraged through targeted programs.
Enhancing Benefits: Introducing tangible initiatives such as medical support and financial relief for members.
Reviving SWAN Week: Reintroducing the annual event to foster camaraderie among members.
Strengthening Partnerships: Engaging with sports councils, clubs, private organizations, and government bodies to ensure robust sports coverage across the state.
Skill Development: Providing regular training, workshops, and seminars to refine members’ expertise and position them as leaders in sports journalism.
Focusing on Member Growth: Prioritizing the professional development of members as a pillar of SWAN’s success.
National Representation: Establishing a delegation rotation system to ensure the chapter remains engaged and relevant in the broader SWAN community.
Saiki concluded with an optimistic outlook, emphasizing the potential for collective achievements through collaboration.
Earlier, Plateau State Football Association Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, urged the new executive committee to foster cooperation and protect Plateau State’s reputation as a leader in sports excellence in Nigeria. Outgoing SWAN Chairman, Andre Bisyit, advised Saiki to embrace inclusivity in his leadership and extended apologies to any member he may have offended during his tenure.
With the baton now passed to Alfred Saiki and his team, members of the Plateau State SWAN chapter look forward to a progressive era of leadership, innovation, and growth under his stewardship.
