— Members laud Gov. Otti’s sports investments, plan CSR, and fundraising for SWAN at 60
The Abia State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of its caretaker committee, while unveiling plans for the 2025 chapter elections and upcoming national activities.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s full congress held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at D-Latinos Concepts, Umuahia.
The congress, which drew members from Umuahia, Aba, and Igbere, passed a vote of confidence on the caretaker team led by Kingsley Okwum (Chairman), Bethel Kalu (Secretary), and Chigozie Nwosu (Member), commending their efforts in revitalizing the chapter.
Delegates expressed appreciation to the SWAN National Executive for intervening to restore order and direction to the Abia chapter. Members were urged to complete their registration to be eligible to vote and be voted for in the forthcoming elections.
The congress also ratified the formation of a five-member Electoral Committee, chaired by Chigozie Nwosu, with a mandate to publish election modalities by October 20, 2025.
Members resolved to raise funds to support Abia SWAN’s participation in the SWAN Full Council Meeting and the SWAN at 60 Anniversary in Abuja, while also approving plans for a thanksgiving service, CSR activities, and a novelty football match in November.
The congress commended Governor Alex Otti for his investments in sports development and congratulated the state government on the successful hosting of the International Para-Badminton Tournament. Similar praise went to Sports Commissioner Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba and Director of Sports Comrade Obioma George for their contributions to sports growth in Abia.
Below is the full Communiqué at the end of the congress
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE FULL CONGRESS OF THE SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA, ABIA STATE CHAPTER ON MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2025 AT D-LATINOS CONCEPTS, BCA ROAD, UMUAHIA
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Abia State Chapter held its inaugural and expanded meeting with members of the Caretaker Committee in Umuahia on Monday October 6, 2025 at the D-Latinos Concepts.
It was a gathering which had members from Umuahia, Aba and Igbere in attendance.
Rising from the meeting, the Congress had resolutions, recommendations and endorsements which are as follows:
1) Congress expressed appreciation to the National Body for stepping in at the right time to rescue Abia SWAN from stagnation.
2) Congress passed a vote of confidence on the Caretaker Committee, led by Kingsley Okwum as Chairman, Bethel Kalu as Secretary and Chigozie Nwosu as member.
3) Congress acknowledged receipt of membership cards in record time, stirring confidence in the process and the drive for new membership.
Congress urged members to register as quickly as possible through the state secretary.
Only registered members will retain the right to vote and be voted for in the coming elections.
4) Congress acknowledged the invitation of the Chairman and Secretary to Abuja for SWAN Full Council Meeting and the SWAN at 60 anniversary celebrations.
Congressed resolved to raise funds through various means to assist with logistics of the Abia SWAN delegation to the anniversary and to make their representation of the state chapter memorable.
As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, the state leadership will lead members to a preferred place of worship for a thanksgiving service.
5) Congress approved the recommendation of the Caretaker Committee for the body to engage in social works in order to perform their corporate social responsibility.
This public service by Abia SWAN will be done in November.
Congress also approved the recommendation for a novelty game to be played with a yet-to-be decided team in November.
6) Congress urged Abia SWAN members to give its activities the needed publicity, starting with the outcome of the meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025.
7) Congress approved the appointment of members of the Electoral Committee for the 2025 ABIA SWAN elections.
Members of the Electoral Committee are:
Chigozie Nwosu – Chairman
Stanley Mba – Secretary
Jude Ochang – Member
Isabella Ekeoma – Member
Wisdom Thomas – Member.
The Electoral Committee were inaugurated. They were mandated to conclude arrangements and unveil the modalities for the elections on or before 20th October, 2025.
8) Congress approved that the interim committee provide an account for the smooth running of the activities of the chapter pending the full receipt of the chapter’s bank account and properties from the former EXCO.
9) Congress commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti for his huge investment in sports which has given Abia a seat on the table of successful investors in sports in Nigeria and Africa. Congress also congrarulates the Government on the successful hosting of the International Para-badminton Tournament.
Congress also commended the Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba for his unwavering zeal and efforts to develop sports in the state.
Also commended was the Director of Sports, Abia State Sports Council, Comrade Obioma George for his exemplary leadership which is yielding results.
Communique drafting Committee:
Bethel Kalu, Caretaker Committee Secretary
Chinatu John, Member
Wisdom Thomas, Member
