Sports

Isaiah Benjamin Re-elected As SWAN President

Published

1 month ago

August 29, 2026

The National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN),
Isaiah Kemje Benjamin has been re-elected for another three-year term at the 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress of the association held in Kaduna on Friday.

Benjamin, who assumed office as SWAN National President in 2023, was returned unopposed after emerging as the sole candidate for the presidency.

The congress, which attracted delegates from SWAN state chapters across the country, also produced a new National Executive Council (NEC) to pilot the affairs of the association.

While most of the positions were uncontested, the offices of Deputy President and Vice President, North-East Zone, were keenly contested.

Nyong Bonny Silas of Akwa Ibom State defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra State for the position of Deputy President, polling 21 votes against Chukwuleta’s 14 votes, while one ballot was declared void.

For the Vice President, North-East position, Samuel Gangwaja of Adamawa State defeated the incumbent, Ahmed Kagana Amshi of Yobe State, by four to two votes.

Meanwhile, Gangwaja will consequently represent the North-East Zone on the new SWAN National Executive Council for the next three years.

Other elected national officers include Ikenna Okonkwo as Secretary General, Samuel Ahmadu as Deputy Secretary General, Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde as Treasurer and Ijeoma Nwante as Financial Secretary.

While at the zonal level, Zaharadeen Saleh was returned as Vice President, North-West; Azuka Chiemeka, South-South; Ikemefuna Asika, South-East; and Ayodeji Ogunsakin, South-West.

The newly elected officers were subsequently sworn into office by Sir Ben Churchill Aniekwena, Esq., of Juris Consults, Kaduna State.

Speaking shortly after his inauguration, Isaiah Benjamin thanked members for renewing their confidence in his leadership and pledged to prioritise the welfare and professional development of sports journalists.

Benjamin further called on members to close ranks and support the new administration, irrespective of their choices during the election.

Related Topics:Isaiah Benjamin Re-elected SWAN President

Don't Miss

Kada Stars, Queens Extend Hockey Dominance

Click to comment

Sports

Kada Stars, Queens Extend Hockey Dominance

Published

3 months ago

July 11, 2026

Shehu Dogo

Kaduna State has cemented its reputation as Nigeria’s undisputed hockey powerhouse after Kada Stars and Kada Queens continued their remarkable dominance on both the national and West African stages.

The two teams once again underlined their supremacy at the 2026 National Hockey Super League finals, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, by successfully defending their respective titles.

Kada Stars retained the men’s crown after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Plateau Tigers, securing an unprecedented fifth consecutive National Hockey Super League title.

In the women’s competition, Kada Queens defeated Plateau Queens 2-0 to lift their fourth successive league trophy, extending an impressive run that has firmly established them as the country’s leading female hockey side.

Earlier this year, both teams also conquered the regional stage by winning the men’s and women’s titles respectively at the 2026 Median HFS West Africa Invitational Challenge Cup in Accra, Ghana.

Their double success further strengthened Kaduna State’s growing reputation as the leading force in West African hockey.

Since the 2023 National Hockey Super League season, Kada Stars and Kada Queens have remained unbeaten champions in their respective divisions, a testament to their consistency, resilience and winning culture.

Kaduna’s influence extends well beyond club competition, with the state continuing to serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s national hockey teams. Currently, eight players in the Nigerian women’s team and 10 players in the men’s national team are products of Team Kaduna, underlining the state’s pivotal role in developing elite hockey talent.

Source: Leadership