By Okechukwu Onuegbu
SWAN, an umbrella body of journalists specialising in sports reporting, stated this in a communique issued at the end of their January 2026 Congress signed by the Chairman, Chimezie Anazor and Secretary, Uche Ndeke, noting that Anambra State was blessed with high number of stars in kinds of sports.
" SWAN commends Gov. Soludo for his investment in sports and urges him to rejig the sports sector and review the reward system for sportsmen and sportswomen to encourage more youths to engage in sports as a life changing endeavour.
"SWAN commends Ozomma Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and other sports icons from Anambra Chapter on their deserved recognition for outstanding contributions to sports journalism during the 60th anniversary of SWAN in Abuja, October 2025.
"SWAN calls on Governor Soludo to consider holding a reception for these and other sports ICONs as worthy ambassadors of the state. SWAN restates its commitment to neutrality, objectivity and protection minority voices for sustainability development of sports in Anambra," it stated.
It, however, commended Soludo for establishing Solution FC, Anambra and called on him to position the club for enhanced visibility, wider acceptability and viable marketability.
"SWAN commends the national leadership under Isaiah Benjamin for its purposeful and result oriented leadership that has earned SWAN a deserved place in Nigeria sports map," it also disclosed.
The association also reiterated its call on Soludo to consider providing an Olympic stadium for the people of Anambra and Awka in particular, especially now that the venue proposed for Awka stadium has been reduced to a football pitch due to the 'Fun City' project, another laudable public interest facility.