A Journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Segun Giwa was today elected unopposed as the new Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter.
The exercise, which took place at the SWAN Secretariat, Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure was presided over by the Southwest Zonal Vice President of the Association, Ayodeji Ogunsakin.
Two other officers Olusola Joseph Adesuyan of AIT and Femi Atolagbe of The Hope newspaper were sworn-in as State SWAN Secretary and Financial Secretary respectively.
The election was witnessed by members and elders of SWAN in the state including two former Chairmen of the Association, Akintunde Akinsemola and Wahaab Bankole.
Femi Dairo, the past caretaker chairman, in his opening address, gave all glory to God for the election coming up after several postponements.
He gave accounts of how all the processes began and urged the incoming executive to reach out to all and ensure unity in the association.
Ogunsakin,after dissolving the caretaker committee, urged members to ensure that peace continued the reign, which was his first official assignment.
He said he was going to ensure that the lost glory of SWAN in the South-West was going to be restored under his leadership and appreciated all those that showed interest in the leadership role of the state.
The zonal VP used the opportunity to beg everyone to bury all hatchets and move ahead because Ondo State is a big chapter as far as SWAN is concerned.
“See everyone as your member, see yourself as a servant, and put the interests of everyone at heart. In the process of election, we must have interests.
“The election has gone; see everyone as your member. I foresee a situation where we move from state to state in solidarity and to do things together in love,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Association in the state, Segun Giwa, thanked the national president, Isaiah Benjamin,and members of the association for their support before and during the process.
Giwa,who asked for the support of all members of the association,said the association is for all and members must rally around to ensure its success.
He appreciated the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Bamidele Ologunloluwa, for the support of the association and, like Oliver Twist, asked for more.
“I am highly elated to be sworn in as the new chairman of SWAN in the country under the leadership of our president,a journalist per excellence, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin.
“Today is not a day of many speeches, as we have come a long way to achieve this mandate. I must say, No Victor, No Vanquish.
“This is our association, and we must rally around to ensure we take our rightful place among the community of chapters in the association.
“Ondo State has always been a trailblazer in all ramifications, and with the support of all and sundry, we shall take our rightful position.
“To this end, I urge all members to support this newly inaugurated executive of SWAN in the state for the set targets, aims, and objectives of the association to be achieved within the time frame of our constitution.
“Let me assure you all that my administration will promote peace through sports and sporting activities, especially at the grassroots level, and will partner with relevant stakeholders to achieve this aim; as they said, no one can do it alone,” he said.
