By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

In line with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria’s (SWAN) programme for its 60th Anniversary, the group will today, Friday, October 24, 2025, commence the ceremony with a Juma’at Prayer while Christians will on their part hold a thanksgiving service on Sunday, October 26, 2026.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said that special prayer and thanksgiving will be held simultaneously in all the State Chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

Meanwhile, the National Leadership of SWAN under the headship of Isaiah Benjamin, has extended invitation to government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association, and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey.

The statement signed by Chimezie Anaso and Hembadoon Orsar, chairman and secretary of SWAN @60 Media and Publicity Committee respectively said: “It will be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortune for Nigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector.”

Meanwhile, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the Full Council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, Zonal Vice Presidents and Secretaries and State Chairmen and Secretaries.

Highlight of the event will be recognition and award presentation to veterans of the pen in sports reportage.

They include, Tony Nezianya, a former Head of Sports at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Emeka Odikpo of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) veterans’ award.

Others are veterans in the sports coverage and reportage, Philip Balepo, Emmanuel Ndikub Balepo, Emmanuel Ndukuba and Chigozie Chukwuleta Chukwuleta for the milestone award from Anambra State.