By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra State Chapter, on Friday held election to steer in a new elected executives.

The election which was held during the October Congress of the association at Mic Royal hotel in Awka returned both the incumbent chairman and vice, Patrick Chimezie Anaso and Pamela Eboh respectively. They will steer the affairs of the association for the next three years.

Also returned was the Secretary, Uche Ndeke and Marvelous Ezenwa, Treasurer.

Other elected officials were, Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu, Assistant Secretary; and Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Welfare Officer.

In his acceptance speech, Anaso commended the national leadership of SWAN under President Isaiah Benjamin for its landmark achievements.

He gave assurance of Anambra State chapter’s continued support and cooperation, saying, “Thank you for giving me the baton to continue in the leadership of this noble association. It’s a challenge for me to do better and I promise to record greater achievements in the course of this second term.”

While emphazing the need to improve sports facilities across the state, the Chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the standard of facilities at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium and Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha, stressing the need to equip b9th with modern sports infrastructure, including standard table tennis courts, a swimming pool, and adequate track and field facilities.

Anaso further urged members of the association to uphold professionalism in their reportage, even as he warned against scandals, blackmail and other practices capable of undermining the credibility of sports journalism.

He called on sports writers to report responsibly and contribute to the development of sports in the state through ethical and constructive journalism.

Speaking after the inauguration, SWAN Vice-President, South-East Zone, Comrade Ikemefuna Asika, hailed the executives for their performance during their previous tenure.

He urged the newly inaugurated leadership to address identified shortcomings, strengthen the association’s existing achievements and build on its successes.

On her part, the former Vice-President, South East zone, Chigozie Chukwuluta, praised the efforts of the outgoing executive over the past three years, expressing confidence that the re-elected leadership would improve on its previous performance.

She wished the new executive greater success, unity and excellence as it begins another three-year term.

The election was conducted by SWAN Election Committee (SWANECO), which include Emma Ndukuba as Chairman, Chuks Ugokwe, Secretary, and Daniel Ukpai as member.