By: Joy Odor/Kaduna
Kaduna State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has conducted its election, peacefully, well-co-ordnated and transparently.
The election has Mr. Isaiah Benjamin as the Chairman, Stella Solomon Kabruk Vice-Chairman, Beni Adams Secretary General, Jacob Onjewu Assistant Secretary, Emelda Joy Odor Treasurer, Abiola Gbenga Financial Secretary, Shehu Abdullahi and Abdullahi Bako as ex-officials.
Elder John Fwah who was once a Chairman of SWAN and National officers was appointed as a member of Zonal Advisory Committee of SWAN North-West Zone.
In his inaugural speech shortly after the presentation of Certificate of Return by the Zone ‘A’ Vice President Ado Salisu, the new Chairman Mr. Isaiah Benjamin appealed to members who are also journalists, that in the discharge of the duties, they should be very cautious of what they report.
According to him, this has become very imperative because he would not want the Association to start running up and down trying to bail any SWAN member out of prison.
The Chairman elect called on them to be much guided, adhere very strictly to the ethnic and conduct of our profession by reporting what is factual and what is truth by not letting ourselves to be carried away by material and monetary reason.
Mr. Isaiah also enjoined all members to ensure they bring important ideas that will move the Association forward, saying it must not be from the executives alone, “so please, you can as members call on any of the executive to organize any event so that together, we will move SWAN to greater heights” he said.
“Thank God that the Ministry of Sports is carrying us along, so l appeal on the need to always bring about initiatives that would help us generate fund that will assist in running the affairs of the Association, this is very important because no Association can survive without fund and we need funds to enable us do our work”.
“We have been able to help some of our colleagues who happened to run into one problem or the other, like late Mr. Walter Uba, “May his Soul Rest in Peace” who died in active service and was a committed member of SWAN and we helped him in some medical bills payment while he was sick.
“I appreciate the support given to the executives during their tenure and hoped that with the re-election of the executives, we hope you also give us the same support so that together, we will all take SWAN forward, the Chairman ended.
After formally officiating the election, the Representative of the SWAN National Body, Ado Salisu in his remarks commended the Kaduna SWAN chapter members for turning out en-mass to ensure the election is smooth even though there may be some challenges but that their maturity counts.
According to him, if you go to other State chapter, like Lagos, Kano or Abuja chapter even Port-Harcourt they lack members attending events like this and appealed to the new executives to continue to enlighten members to be part of SWAN activities as there are a lot of benefits.
He informed that running a Union, the executives should be very careful and be open minded, saying, it is not a personal Association but they should be patient and understanding to move the Association forward.
He also commended the electoral Committee for their good job despite the difficulties and time dedication to ensure Kaduna SWAN is in a good shape.
Contributing, the former Kaduna SWAN Chairman and now the Zonal Secretary, Alhaji Abdulraheem Audu appealed to the new executives not to allow the State SWAN to go back to its former dilapidated nature but that Kaduna SWAN name should be in other States month for achievements, peace and its unity.
He also urged them to ensure the Association operates open door policy where everyone should feel belonging and participatory in every event to continue to be stronger while advising the elected Chairman to ensure he and his executives are in the same page in every situation.
He called on the members to give the new executives their full support.
The representative of the Kaduna State Nigeria Union of Journalists, Alhaji Dauda Doka mentioned that he is happy to witness the peaceful and well-coordinated election of the State SWAN Association and assured that the Council will continue to partner with SWAN to become more vibrant than ever.
According to him, the State Council of NUJ has promised to give the State SWAN a befitting office at the Council secretariat for their use as also promised to NAWOJ.