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Kwara SWAN, Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin (2026)

12/05/2026

Kwara SWAN Unveils WSID Four-Point Agenda to Drive Sports Journalism Development

The leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State chapter, has unveiled a comprehensive development blueprint tagged “Kwara SWAN Consolidation Era 2026–2029” aimed at strengthening sports journalism, members’ welfare and institutional growth in the state.

The blueprint was presented at the congress of the association held on Monday at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre, the SWAN Secretariat in Ilorin.

The document, prepared under the leadership of Chairman Ismail Ayodeji, outlined the association’s strategic direction for the next three years with emphasis on professionalism, innovation, digital transformation and stakeholders’ engagement.

According to the blueprint, the administration is determined to consolidate the achievements of previous executives while opening new opportunities and frontiers for development through what it described as the “WSID Agenda.”

The document highlighted the history and relevance of SWAN as Nigeria’s foremost professional body for sports journalists, noting that the association was established in 1964 and has evolved into a major force in sports development and media practice across the country.

It further described Kwara SWAN as one of the most vibrant and visionary chapters in Nigeria, with over 70 active members working across major media platforms and contributing significantly to sports reportage.

As part of its strategic review, the leadership conducted a SWOT analysis which identified the chapter’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Among the strengths listed were government recognition, access to major sporting events, experienced members, seamless leadership transition and a functional secretariat.

However, the document acknowledged challenges such as limited opportunities for members to attend competitions, low digital inclination among some members, inadequate developmental resources and gender disparity in sports reporting.

The blueprint also identified opportunities in multimedia journalism, information technology, training, sponsorship and participation in national multi-sport events such as the National Sports Festival and National Youth Games.

Under the WSID Agenda, the administration pledged to prioritise members’ welfare, training and opportunities through quarterly seminars, medical outreach programmes, empowerment initiatives and facilitation of journalism fellowships.

The leadership also proposed stronger engagement with stakeholders through initiatives such as the Kwara Sports Summit, SWAN Award and Gala Night, annual SWAN Games and the continuation of the SWAN Sports Hard Talk programme.

In the area of innovation and creativity, the association plans to establish an official website, create a digital register for members and organise workshops on digital tools and artificial intelligence governance.

The administration further promised a responsive and digitally-driven leadership structure with a 24-hour functional secretariat, creation of specialised committees and improved facilities at the secretariat including electricity, office furniture and running water.

The blueprint also emphasised increased membership drive with special focus on encouraging more women to join the association.

On sponsorship and partnerships, the leadership stated that it would continue to seek collaborations with organisations and stakeholders to achieve its programmes and objectives.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Ismail Ayodeji-led executive pledged to deliver its mandate with accountability, transparency and integrity throughout its tenure.

01/05/2026

Coach Biffo Advocates Reduced Government Role in Club Football Administration

Former Kwara United coach, Abdullahi Biffo, has said government involvement in Nigerian football clubs should be limited to providing world-class facilities if football must be professionally run in line with global best practices.

Coach Biffo stated this on Friday in Ilorin during the Kwara SWAN Sports Hard Talk session. He explained that the major difference between privately owned and government-owned clubs is that private investors see football as a business venture, while many government clubs are often used to reward political loyalists.

He noted that government-owned clubs may continue to remain relevant because of the financial support they enjoy, despite lacking accountability and due process, stressing that Nigerian football can only improve when private clubs are allowed to thrive.

The tactician also praised the promotion of four private clubs to the NPFL for the 2026/27 season, commending the George Aluo-led NNL board for transparency, fairness, and discipline in managing the second-tier league.

According to him, the promotion of four private clubs reflects credibility in the NNL, which he described as the vital bridge between the NPFL and NLO.

Coach Biffo further emphasized the need for regular education, training, and retraining of coaches and players to keep pace with modern football trends.

He urged journalists to help sensitize stakeholders on the importance of continuous development for coaches and players to improve their performance.

Speaking on Kwara United’s current struggles, Biffo called on stakeholders to continue supporting Coach Ashifat Suleiman, describing the situation as one that could happen to any team.

He also stressed the need to properly educate fans against stadium violence, noting that the club’s exile from its home ground should serve as a lesson on the consequences of impatience and disorderliness.

In his remarks, Kwara SWAN Chairman, Ayodeji Ismail, said the Sports Hard Talk was created as a platform to engage stakeholders on crucial issues aimed at advancing sports development in the state.

He lauded Biffo’s quick response to the invitation despite short notice, describing his appearance as a reflection of his vast coaching experience.

He also acknowledged Biffo’s unwavering support for Kwara United and ABS FC through cash rewards for Man of the Match winners in the NPFL and NNL, describing the gesture as motivation for players to give their best on the pitch.

Earlier, Director of Football of ABS FC, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, and Chairman Emeritus, Mr Bunmi Adedoyin, also advocated training and enlightenment among stakeholders to prevent future crowd disturbances, while reminding all that Kwara is known for peace.

Coach Biffo later donated $500 on behalf of Ambassador Abdulfatah Yahaya Seriki as support towards the SWAN Secretariat.

30/04/2026

Kwara SWAN reaffirms commitment to sports development, visits Mogaji

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, has reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of sports in the state.

This was made known during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of the association to the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji, on Thursday in Ilorin.

Kwara SWAN Chairman, Ayodeji Ismail, led members of the new executive on what he described as a “thank you visit” to appreciate Mogaji’s presence at the association’s elective congress held on April 22, 2027, at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre, Ilorin.

“We are here today to thank and appreciate you for your presence during the elective congress of our association. Your presence, in no small measure, added candour to the event and we believe there is need for us to reciprocate the gesture,” Ayodeji said.

Describing SWAN and the Sports Commission as partners in progress, the chairman pledged that the association would continue to promote sporting activities across the state.

He noted that while football in the state has enjoyed considerable media attention, the new executives have resolved to project other sports through strategic media coverage.

“We have resolved to activate a monthly visit to other sporting activities within the state in order to promote their programmes. This, we believe, will help raise more awareness about the sports and also draw public interest,” he added.

In his remarks, Coach Bola Mogaji acknowledged the critical role of the media in sports development and pledged continued collaboration with Kwara SWAN.

According to him, Kwara athletes are excelling in various sports, and their achievements can only gain deserved recognition through effective media coverage.

Mogaji seized the opportunity to reveal that a squash player from the state, Abdulazeez Rofiat, has broken ground by being the first athlete from Nigeria to be invited to "The Circuit training" in the United Kingdom while some other squash players are also presently in Abuja for National camp trials.

He also disclosed that Kwara table tennis star, Shukurat Aiyelabegan, is representing Team Nigeria at the ongoing ITTF World Table Tennis Championships in London.

“For any sport to progress, the media is very important. Let’s keep working together and we are ready to work with you,” Mogaji said.

30/04/2026

Friday!

29/04/2026

Kwara SWAN to host Coach Biffo on latest edition of Hard Talk series

The former Technical Adviser of Kwara United, Coach Abdullahi Biffo, will be hosted by members of Kwara SWAN on Friday, May 1, 2027 for the latest edition of its foremost Hard Talk series engagement.

Kwara SWAN Chairman, Ismail Ayodeji, confirmed on Wednesday that the American-based Coach Biffo will engage the media in what promises to be a revealing session.

Ayodeji noted that the Hard Talk Series is part of the association's strategic efforts to engage critical sports stakeholders and promote thoughtful conversations aimed at sports development.

For Coach Biffo, the platform provides an opportunity to speak to the Nigerian media for the first time in recent years, having travelled out of the country in the past year.

Regarded as one of the most certified football gaffers in Nigeria, Coach Biffo boasts of rich football credentials, having guided top-flight clubs in the past, including Niger Tornadoes, Katsina United, and Abia Warriors, among others.

Members of the association have, however been urged to attend the Hard Talk series scheduled for 3pm on Friday at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre in Ilorin.

22/04/2026

Mogaji, Adio, Thuraya Task Kwara SWAN Executive on Ethical Sports Journalism

Sports stakeholders in Kwara State have urged the newly inaugurated executive of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State chapter, to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, gave the charge during the inauguration ceremony, describing the electoral process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair.

Mogaji noted that the smooth transition reflects the harmonious nature of the state, and he encouraged the new leadership to maintain high professional standards.

He also called on members of the fourth estate of the realm to continue supporting Kwara United in sustaining their league status, while commending stakeholders for their consistent backing of the club.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi, congratulated the new executive, assuring that the FA would remain a strategic partner in promoting sports journalism and development.

Also speaking, a two-term former chairman of the association and former Commissioner in the state, Mallam Hammed Adio, praised the association for its achievements, particularly the establishment of a SWAN Secretariat within the stadium — a milestone he described as significant.

Adio charged the new leadership to sustain capacity-building initiatives, especially refresher courses aimed at enhancing professionalism.

He further advised the executive to create a platform for political stakeholders to present their vision for sports development, noting that such engagement would help shape policies and programmes for the growth of the sector.

The following members were inaugurated to serve a new three-year term:
Ayodeji Ismail (Radio Kwara) – Chairman

Nusirat Bisola Popoola (Kwara TV) – Vice Chairman

Yemi Sodeeq (Informant247) – Secretary

Sodiq Adebara Kayode (Radio Nigeria) – Assistant Secretary

Moyin Bankole (Radio Kwara) – Treasurer

Bolaji Yusuph (Kwara TV) – Financial Secretary

Odelana Peter (Sobi FM) – Welfare Officer

Nicholas Nwerunonye (Daily Independent) – Ex-Officio 1

Abdul Momoh (Moonlight Newspaper) – Ex-Officio 2

22/04/2026

Kwara SWAN Election: Ismail Begins Second Term as Chairman

Ayodeji Ismail has commenced a second term as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State chapter, following a peaceful and widely commended election.

Immediately after his inauguration, conducted by Barrister Zarumi Mashood, Ismail pledged to consolidate on the gains recorded during his first tenure. He stressed that his administration would focus on strengthening the association while delivering measurable progress.

Furthermore, he called on stakeholders and sports enthusiasts across the state to support ongoing efforts to improve the SWAN Secretariat. According to him, the facility currently lacks basic amenities such as water and electricity, a situation that continues to hinder the association’s activities.

Meanwhile, the representative of the National Secretariat and South-West Vice President, Ayodeji Ogunshakin, praised the orderly conduct of the election. He noted that members in Kwara had once again demonstrated the spirit of harmony for which the state is known.

In addition, Ogunshakin urged the newly inaugurated executive to remain inclusive in leadership and strictly adhere to the association’s Statute. He also advised disqualified aspirants to view the outcome as an opportunity for personal and professional development.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, Ahmed 'Lanre 'Lateef, emphasised the importance of continuous learning in journalism. He maintained that journalists must consistently upgrade their skills to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Beyond that, Lateef charged the new executive to lead with integrity and fairness. He warned against allowing sentiment or bias to influence decision-making, insisting that strong leadership must rest on discipline and accountability.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Kwara State Electoral Committee (SWANECO), Bunmi Adedoyin, outlined the processes that guided the election. He explained that the committee strictly followed the provisions of the association’s Statute to ensure a transparent and credible exercise.

Adedoyin, a former state chairman of SWAN, added that the sustained peace within the association stems from the solid foundation laid by previous leaders. Consequently, he urged the new executive to uphold established standards and avoid actions that could undermine the association’s stability.

Other executive members inaugurated include Bankole Moyinoluwa as Treasurer, Odelana Olaoluwa as Welfare officer and Adebara Sodiq as Assistant Secretary. END

19/02/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

SWAN decries hooliganism in Ilorin, urges justice with mercy for Kwara United

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, strongly condemns the acts of violence that marred the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 22 fixture between Kwara United and Rivers United at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Football remains a unifying force and a vehicle for sportsmanship, not a theatre for hooliganism and lawlessness.

The reported assault on match officials, officials of Rivers United, and the invasion of restricted areas by supporters is unacceptable and brings the game into disrepute. The statement read:

"As stakeholders in the sports ecosystem, we are particularly alarmed that this unfortunate development occurred barely days after journalists were attacked by suspected supporters at the same venue."

"We regret to note that proactive measures were not sufficiently taken by the stakeholders to decisively address that earlier incident, which could have served as a deterrent to subsequent acts of violence."

SWAN Kwara therefore tasks the management of Kwara United to fully commit to identifying and bringing to book the perpetrators of these disgraceful acts, in line with the directives of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

"Accountability must not only be promised but demonstrated through visible cooperation with security agencies and the league body.

"We commend the NPFL for its swift response and decisive sanctions, which underscore the league’s zero tolerance for violence," the statement added.

However, while justice must be served to protect the integrity of the league, we respectfully urge the NPFL to tamper justice with mercy by not deducting their points after similar occurred in Wikki vs Katsina United where they were only fined, considering that Kwara State has historically maintained a largely peaceful sporting environment.

Going forward, we call on club management, supporters’ groups, and security agencies to work collaboratively to restore confidence, guarantee the safety of players, officials, journalists, and fans, and ensure that Ilorin remains a safe and hospitable venue for football.

Signed,
Dare Kuti,
Secretary Kwara SWAN

Mallam Toyin Saheed,
Vice Chairman,
Kwara State

02/02/2026

Kwara SWAN Celebrates Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka (Nwachigoziri I) on His Birthday

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, has felicitated the Director of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC), Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka (Nwachigoziri I), on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Mallam Ismail Ayodeji, and the Assistant Secretary, Sodiq Adebara, the Association described Chief Chukwuemeka as a renowned football administrator, an exemplary media professional, and a highly respected stakeholder in Nigerian football development.

Kwara SWAN commended the celebrant for his unwavering commitment to strengthening football structures in the state and across the country, noting that his visionary leadership at ABS FC has continued to inspire talent development, professionalism, and grassroots growth within the game.

The Association further acknowledged Chief Chukwuemeka’s longstanding support for sports journalism and his role in fostering a cordial and productive relationship between the media and football institutions.
“Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka (Nwachigoziri I) stands out as a symbol of humility, strategic leadership, and consistent service to the football community. His dedication to youth empowerment and sports development remains deeply appreciated,” the statement read.

Kwara SWAN celebrated him on this special day and prayed that Almighty God grants him longer life, good health, renewed strength, and greater achievements in the years ahead.

03/01/2026

President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih is marvelled by the newly renovated Kwara State indoor sports hall

Kwara SWAN

12/05/2026

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