*New Chairman Promises A Prosperous Rebrand And Disciplined Association
An election to usher in a new State Executive Committee (SEC) for Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) was held inside the Secretariat of the association at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Thursday.
Though all the contestants were returned unopposed, the electoral committee, otherwise known as the SWANECO , headed by Sir Victor Enyinnaya, KSP, subjected the electorates to voting, after which the results of the exercise were announced.
The newly elected Lagos SWAN Executive Committee includes thoroughly Screened Candidates
- Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni – Chairman
- Mr. Taiwo Adelu -;Vice Chairman
- Mr. Omotunde Bello – Secretary
- Nicholas Chinedu Anyamene-Assistant Secretary
- Mrs Ilesanmi Motunrayo Olukemi
- Mr. Monsuru Karonwi – Welfare Officer
The result sheet of the election was attested to by the representative of the Nigeria Police and the Department of the State Service (DSS), who were on ground to secure and maintain law and order.
After the election, the chairman of SWANECO, Sir Enyinnaya commended the support his committee received from members of the association and some of the elders.
He said the election was organized with strict compliance with the provisions of the Statute of the association.
Reelected chairman of Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni appreciated the support of members and admirers who were at the election in large numbers, while also commending some distinguished elders in the chapter and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) elders for their support.
“I am glad for coming in again as the chairman of Lagos SWAN. We made history again as no woman has ever occupied this position in Lagos SWAN. This is a record ordained by God,” the chairman said.
According to her, Lagos is the bedrock of sports journalism in Nigeria, adding that despite the challenges, many members and some elders stood by her for always being on the side of the truth.
Speaking from one of the important speeches of the late President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela titled “NO EASY WALK TO FREEDOM”, the newly reelected chairman of Lagos SWAN said that “In spite of all the difficulties, we have won important victories and the conclusion of the electoral process is a testimony to the fact that no easy way to freedom and many will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before getting to the mountain top of our desires.”
She said that the victory is the beginning of another era of prosperity as she’s ready to do more for the association.
“I will not relent in my effort to see that Lagos SWAN is taken to another enviable height whose fortune will affect every member of the association positively.
“I want to appeal to all members of Lagos SWAN to embrace peace so that harmony can continue to prevail. I want to assure that this new executive committee will open its doors to everyone for the greater good of Lagos SWAN. We cannot be divided no matter what we are going through today because Lagos SWAN is greater than any individual.
“I will also want to advise my members that it is high time we look beyond the stereotype of what is happening on the pitch of play, rather our focus should be on array of opportunities that sports makes available to us in the areas of sports culture, sports security, sports diplomacy, sports fashion and a host of others.
“In this my second term, there will be visible development to both the association and its members by the grace of God. We will also strive to ensure that we instil discipline that will bring mutual respect to both young and older generations of Lagos SWAN,” Ambassador Oladunni said.
A team of legal practitioners administered the oath of office for the elected Lagos SWAN Executive Committee after the election.
For the first time in the history of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the election proceeding was streamed live via YouTube television.
