The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has nominated Governor Siminialayi Fubara, of Rivers State to receive Distinguished Service -SWAN MERIT AWARD.
The award is to be presented to him at the SWAN @60 Dinner/Award night scheduled to hold Thursday 30th October 2025, in Abuja.
This is sequel to his numerous contributions to sports development in the country, most especially in Rivers State.
Others from the State that will receive different categories of awards are; the Commissioner of Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, Former Chairman of SWAN in the State and one time General Manager of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of The TIDE newspaper, Celestine Ogolo and Veteran and versatile sports journalist, China Acheru.
The awardees were carefully selected following their profound contributions towards sports promotion, development and mentorship.
Speaking while receiving the nomination letter on behalf of the Governor, Barrister Green, thanked SWAN for recognising the good works of the Governor and confirmed the governor’s commitment to improve sports infrastructure, athletes welfare and youth empowerment.
“The governor has successfully hosted the first international marathon race in the State, sponsored several athletes to national and international tournaments and championships.
“Apart from that his Excellency has sustained moral and financial motivation of athletes”, Barrister Green said.
The Sports Commissioner who was also nominated to receive SWAN Meritorious Service Award equally used the opportunity to express his appreciation for recognising his contributions towards development of sports in the country.
He further pledged support to the association as sports writing, he said, served one of the catalysts for sports development.
“I thank God I am back to continue where I stopped as Sports Commissioner. My interest is to see Rivers State grow in sporting activities.
I will not stop to do things that will make the State grow”, Barr. Green added.
Also speaking ,Mr. Celestine Ogolo, who is to receive Veteran Sports Journalist Award who expressed joy over his nomination, said this would spur him to do more for the association.
“I am honestly very overwhelmed with joy, when I first got this hint. For me this particular award is so dear to me, I cherished it because is coming from a constituency where I started my life as a journalist.
” Sports reporting is what I called all and all when I started journalism. It was sports reporting that took me to various levels so I cannot forget this constituency. I cannot count myself out. I still belong to it.
” On behalf of my wife and family I sincerely thank SWAN , particularly Rivers State Chapter led by Cyril Dum Wite”, Ogolo said.
Mr. China Acheru, who is also nominated to receive the Veteran Sports Journalist Award, equally thanked SWAN for recognising his contributions on sports development.
Acheru said he enjoyed writing sports because he has the passion.
” I thank SWAN for this recognition. I enjoy writing sports because I have that passion. I mentor people because people mentored me. I want to see other people to grow because people want me to grow”, Acheru said.
The veteran and versatile sports journalist narrated how and when he started sports journalism, and mentioned names like; Cyril Dum Wite, Gabriel Nwanetanya, late Henry Kalio, Soibi Max-Alalibo , Colin Udoh, Ebi Avi and late Mazi Njoku that guided him in his early stages of sports journalism.
Speaking, the Chairman of SWAN Rivers State Chapter, Cyril Dum Wite, shortly after he handed over the nomination letters to the nominees, thanked them for their immense contributions to sports development.
He appealed to them to continue to support the association, in the areas of meaningful ideas and financially so that SWAN Rivers State Chapter will be stronger.
