By Aderonke Ojo
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has celebrated six decades of journalistic excellence with its Diamond Jubilee Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) on Saturday in Abuja.
The colourful event, held at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, brought together top sports administrators, government officials, journalists, and stakeholders.
It was an evening dedicated to honouring individuals whose leadership, passion, and philanthropy have shaped the growth of sports and journalism in Nigeria.
Among this year’s awardees were Hon. Ayo Omidiran, former FIFA Council Member and Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission; and Nureni Makanjuola, Founder, Water FC Academy.
Others included Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer, Nationwide League One (NLO); and Kola Adeyanju, Special Assistant (Media) to the Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC).
Omidiran was honoured for her outstanding contributions to sports development, gender inclusion, and youth empowerment across the country.
Expressing delight, she described the recognition as “special and symbolic,” noting that SWAN’s 60th anniversary made the honour more meaningful.
“It’s not easy for an organisation to clock 60 years. I wish SWAN greater success ahead,” she said.
Omidiran said it was fitting that her first recognition in her new role came from her “constituency” — the sporting community.
“This is my constituency. I’m a sportswoman, and I’m proud this recognition is coming from SWAN,” she added.
She urged philanthropists to invest in grassroots sports, describing it as the foundation of national success in athletics.
“Philanthropy is a powerful way to grow sports. When you support young athletes, you shape the nation’s future,” she said.him
Abuja-based philanthropist and football administrator, Nureni Makanjuola, was honoured for his outstanding support to SWAN and his contributions to youth football development.
Makanjuola, founder of Water FC Academy, has spent decades nurturing young footballers who now play for national and international clubs.
“I feel fulfilled because we’ve done this work for years, often unnoticed. I thank God SWAN recognised people like us,” he said.
He said the award would motivate him to invest more in grassroots sports across the country.
Olushola Ogunnowo, COO of the Nationwide League One, said the recognition from sports journalists was emotional and humbling.
“I’m honoured by the sports writers themselves — those I once thought criticised me harshly. Their words actually made me better,” he said.
He credited his professional growth to constructive media criticism, which guided him to improve as a football administrator.
Ogunnowo also paid tribute to his mentors, Alhaji Al-Hassan Yakmut and Dr. Tijani Yusuf, for shaping his early career.
“I’m happy I have not disappointed those who trusted me. By God’s grace, the sky will be my limit,” he added.
Veteran broadcaster and media strategist, Kola Adeyanju, was also recognised for his outstanding support to SWAN and sports journalism.
Adeyanju, Special Assistant (Media) to Hon. Bukola Olopade, DG of the National Sports Commission, thanked God and his principal for their support.
“This award will spur me to do more and continue to give my best to sports journalism,” he said.
Adeyanju, a former radio and television presenter, described the recognition as a proud moment in his professional journey.
Another awardee, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, founder of Ganduje Babes Football Club, Kano, was honoured for his contribution to sports development in Nigeria.
SWAN also honoured notable sports leaders, including former Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, Chairman of Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko and DG NSC, Bukola Olopade.
Others were the DG National Institute of Sports, Philip Shaibu, Silas Agara, President of Nigeria Golf Federation, Olusegun Runsewe, to mention a few.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration, themed “The Power of Sports Media: Honouring Its Legacy, Shaping the Future,” featured lectures, awards, and discussions.
The two-day event, which began on Oct. 30, concluded at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium with a reaffirmation of SWAN’s commitment to promoting sports excellence in Nigeria.