By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Kaduna, January 21, 2026
The Principal Private Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State, Professor Bello Ayuba, has commended the leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for its commitment to strengthening the association and preserving the ideals of its founding fathers.
Professor Ayuba gave the commendation on Tuesday during the formal presentation of the SWAN Grand Service Award at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna.
He expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as a recognition he would always cherish. He noted that the emergence of the current National President of SWAN from Kaduna State was significant for the growth of sports journalism in the country, and pledged his continued support for the association’s development.
Presenting the award, the National President of SWAN, Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, said the association’s honours are strictly merit-based and conferred on individuals who have made meaningful contributions to sports development and the advancement of the association.
Benjamin explained that Professor Ayuba was selected in recognition of his sustained support for sports development and his long-standing service to SWAN, particularly at the grassroots and state levels.
He recalled that Professor Ayuba, a former Chairman of SWAN in Bauchi State, was earlier nominated for the SWAN @ 60 Awards held in Abuja last year but was unable to attend the ceremony, prompting the association to formally present the award to him in Kaduna.
Benjamin urged the PPS to continue supporting sports development, assuring him that SWAN would continue to draw from his wealth of experience.
