SWAN kicks off 60th anniversary celebration with prayers, thanksgiving

From Abel Leonard, Lafia

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) will this weekend commence activities marking its 60th anniversary and Awards Ceremony with special religious services across the country.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the SWAN @60 Media and Publicity Committee, Chimezie Anaso and Hembadoon Orsar respectively on Thursday, the events will begin with a Jumat Prayer on Friday, 24 October 2025, followed by a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 26 October 2025.

The statement noted that the prayers and thanksgiving would take place simultaneously in all SWAN state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at venues to be determined by the leadership of each chapter.

“The National Leadership of SWAN under the presidency of Mr. Isaiah Benjamin invites government functionaries, sports lovers, members of the association, and the general public to join SWAN members in thanking God for a successful 60-year journey,” the statement said.

It added that the prayers will also serve as an avenue to seek divine blessings for the safety of members and greater success for Nigeria’s sportsmen and women.

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for the protection of members, better sports fortune for Nigeria’s athletes, and a more prosperous sports sector,” the committee added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of SWAN Nasarawa State Chapter, Comrade Smah George, has directed that Muslim members are to observe their Jumat prayers at the Secretariat Jumma’a Mosque opposite Abacha Youth Centre tomorrow. The prayer will be led by the Vice Chairman of the chapter, Mr. Umaru Muhammed.

Similarly, Christian members are to converge at VictoryLife Baptist Church, Millionaires Quarters, after ‘B’ Division, on Sunday by 9:30 a.m., for a thanksgiving service to be led by the chapter chairman, Comrade Smah George.

Highlighting other key events, the committee disclosed that the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will feature the association’s Full Council Meeting, comprising the National Executive Council, Zonal Vice Presidents and Secretaries, as well as State Chairmen and Secretaries.

“All anniversary activities, including the awards, will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja, between 29 and 31 October 2025,” the statement concluded.