BASG Congratulates SWAN for Successful 2024 Sports Week
— Ishola lifts best sports journalist award.
By Abbas Usman, Bauchi
The week long 2024 Sports Week organized by the Bauchi State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) which started on Monday ,9th December 2024 ended successfully on Saturday 14th December with award presentations to winners and Sports administrators.
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The occasion was held at the Conference Hall of late Mohammed Abdullahi, located at the Bauchí State Council of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) Secretariat along Ahmadu Bello Way Bauchi.
The prestigious SWAN week Sports award presentations attracted highly placed sports personalities, including the Bauchi State Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Muhammad Salis Gamawa, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the State Governor, Comrade Mukthar Gidado, GM Eagle Radio Bauchi and one of the pioneer SWAN Executives in Bauchi, Alh.Mohammed Inuwa Bello, the North East Vice President of SWAN Ahmed Kagana Amshi and the National Ex- Officio SWAN Usman Abbas Shehu.
Others were the State Chairman of NUJ and former Deputy President of SWAN Comrade Umar Sai’du, representatives of Genaral Managers of NTA Bauchi and Bauchi Radio Cooperation.
The Conference hall was filled to capacity by all participants from the Seven registered Media organizations in the three events competition that includes Football, Table Tennis And Athletics.
The Seven registered Media organizations are NTA, BATV, BRC, Globe FM, Albarka Radio, Correspondent’s Chapel and Information Links.
During speech making, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Muhammad Salis Gamawa, while appreciating the important roles Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is playing towards development of sports across the country also commended SWAN members particularly in Bauchi for supporting the Ministry in its efforts to revitalize sports in the state.
He assured that the Ministry would always collaborate with SWAN as partners in progress to ensure that Bauchi regained its rightful position as Mecca of sports in the country
He noted that the achievements of athletes and administrators in various competitions would not be widely spread and known without the support and reportage of the Sports Writers considering sports as Media event.
The Commissioner unfolded that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed is committed to changing the fortunes of sports in Bauchi, with its drive to improve sporting facilities in the state.
In his goodwill Message, the Bauchi State NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, commended SWAN for organising the Sports Week which enabled members to interact, socialize, relax and make new friends.
He however, expressed disappointment with some teams and their officials who instead of embracing the spirit of sports manship in the game no matter how it comes, unfortunately engaged in must-win approach.
The North East Zonal Vice President of SWAN, Ahmad Kagana Amshi, applauded Bauchi State SWAN for organizing befitting Sports Week which he believes would serve as fostering unity and inclusivity among the members.
The VP who was represented by the National Ex-Officio of the Association, Usman Abbas Shehu, assured that the Zonal office would always support any State Chapter that initiated programmes and activities that will project the good image of the Association.
While appreciating Bauchí State Government for the support that ensured the success of the 2024 SWAN Sports Week, congratulated the award winners and therefore called on qualified members of SWAN to register for the 2025 membership in good time to enable quick production so that by end of January 2025, every chapter will collect his members ID.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the Bauchi State Chairman of the Sports Writers Association, Bala Bawaji Konkyel, explained that the exercise was to bring sports journalists within and outside the State to interact, rub minds and unite for Sports development.
According to him, “The interesting thing about this event, not only SWAN members are allowed to participate in the sporting activities line – up within the week, but all other staff in the media industry showcase their talents and grab a medal.”
Bala Bawaji informed that,”In this year’s event, about 100 athletes from 7 media organizations including Bauchi State Ministry of Information competed in 3 Sporting events that includes, Football, Table Tennis and Athletics 100m (Male and Female).”
He added that, “Today, winners have emerged in all the three events and we are going to reward them accordingly in this venue. I urge media heads to please do the same to their staff who excelled in one or two events this year. This will certainly encourage others to put more effort in the subsequent events”.
“Let me use this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to the Bauchi State Government, through the Office of the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Comrade Muktar Gidado Jarma. Alkaleri for supporting the Association to host its annual Week.
The colorful presentation of the Football event giant trophy to the winners BRC Waves was made by Umar Sai’du the State NUJ Chairman in support of other members of the high table.
NTA and Globe FM who emerged 2nd and 3rd also received their Medals while Information Links from State Ministry of Information grabbed the must disciplined team award.
The winners in Table Tennis and Athletics Male and Female also received their Medals with Cash awards including Madam Fibi Kafi, a 55 year old Director with Bauchi State Television who emerged 3rd in Female Athletics event.
Also personalities that received Merit awards are Muhammad Salis Gamawa State Commissioner of Sports as best Sports administrator, Coach Juwara as best coach of the year and a veteran sports journalist Muhammad Inuwa Bello for his encouragement and support towards sports development in the state, while Mr. Ishola Michael Adeyemi of Tribune News Paper won the 2024 SWAN award as best Sports journalist.
While presenting the award to Mr.Ishola Adeyemi, the Special Adviser (SA) Media and Communication to the Bauchi State Governor, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado described the award as well deserved considering his contributions to journalism generally in Bauchi state.
He used the colorful closing ceremony to congratulate all the participants for a hitch free sports week and urged Mr. Adeyemi to continue in that spirit of excellent journalism in the state.
