The leadership team at LEADERSHIP Group has pledged their full support for the upcoming Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) @60, set to take place from October 28th to 31st, 2025, in Abuja.
Alhaji Muazu Elazeh, the group’s managing director, made this commitment during a courtesy visit from SWAN’s National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, accompanied by national officers and members of the SWAN @60 organising committee, held yesterday at LEADERSHIP’s corporate office in Abuja.
Elazeh described the 60th anniversary as a significant milestone that offers a chance to both reflect on past achievements and chart a path forward. He encouraged the association’s leadership to ensure the event’s success and praised the planned activities. He also lauded Mr. Benjamin and his team for their efforts to honour those who have played pivotal roles in advancing sports across Nigeria.
“I applaud your leadership. The SWAN @60 celebration is a valuable opportunity to look back and envision the future. I am impressed with the event’s agenda, which includes awards and an investiture ceremony among other key activities. Recognising outstanding contributors is vital-it motivates others and makes the honorees feel appreciated. I commend your initiative and urge you to dedicate yourselves to making this celebration a remarkable success,” Elazeh remarked.
He added, “Even if you had not visited us, our support would have been unwavering. However, your presence here is appreciated. We guarantee to provide the necessary media coverage-simply coordinate with our sports editor regarding your publicity requirements, and we will handle the rest. Should you need any further assistance beyond this meeting, please feel free to reach out. We are committed to supporting you wholeheartedly, both out of a sense of duty and pride in your achievements as representatives of our name. We eagerly anticipate attending the event on October 31st and are confident it will be a tremendous success.”
Sharing similar views, Mr. Chibuzor Ukaibe, Politics Editor at LEADERSHIP, emphasized the company’s ethical responsibility to back SWAN during this landmark celebration. “Hosting you is always a privilege. As our Managing Director has emphasized, supporting your success is a moral imperative for us. You serve as ambassadors of our brand, and it is essential that we do everything possible to ensure SWAN thrives. As fellow journalists, we are deeply invested in this journey and you can count on our steadfast support,” Ukaibe stated.
Earlier in the meeting, SWAN’s National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, explained that their visit to LEADERSHIP’s headquarters was part of the preparatory activities for the Diamond Jubilee and to seek the company’s assistance in promoting the event.
He detailed the SWAN @60 celebration itinerary, which will include a national lecture, a charity match, an awards gala, and the formal investiture of national patrons.
“We are here to discuss our upcoming Diamond Jubilee festivities. Although SWAN was founded in 1964 and we marked our 60th anniversary last year, we plan to celebrate this milestone with a series of events this year, including visits to media organisations like yours,” Benjamin explained.
“The celebrations will begin on October 28th with the arrival of national officers from across Nigeria, followed by the full council members on the 29th, which includes secretaries and chairpersons from our state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory. On the 30th, we will host our inaugural Sports Summit featuring prominent speakers who will explore the future of sports in Nigeria. That evening, pending government approval, a charity football match will be held between the Federal Executive Council and a combined SWAN/NUJ team.”
“The pinnacle of the celebration will be on October 31st with a full council meeting, during which we will launch a compendium honouring individuals who have made outstanding contributions as athletes, journalists, sports administrators, and philanthropists. This will be followed by the investiture of five national patrons. Additionally, we will unveil a two-billion-naira fundraising campaign aimed at establishing SWAN House in Abuja. With God’s grace, we are confident the event will be a resounding success,” he concluded.
