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Credentials Committee ready to abide with NUJ directive on SWAN national elections

Published

6 years ago

September 25, 2019

SWAN Credentials Committee (SWANCredCom) says it will abide with Tuesday’s decision by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to indefinitely suspend the upcoming national elections of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Abdulrahman Abolore, a member of SWANCredCom, which was set up recently by a cross-section of Chairmen of SWAN State Chapters in Ilorin, said this in Lagos on Wednesday.

The NUJ had waded into the growing crisis in SWAN by asking both SWANCredCom and SWANECO, which was set up by SWAN’s National Executive Committee (NEC), to stay action “forthwith and indefinitely’’.

It also advised that the national congresses planned for Abuja and Port Harcourt in October by SWANCredCom and SWANECO respectively should be put on hold.

Reacting to the development, Abolore said SWANCredCom views NUJ’s intervention as necessary in view of several events in the past few weeks.

“A lot of events have been coming up in recent weeks, and these were the ones which prompted the Chairmen of SWAN State Chapters to set up our committee.

“We are like what you can call `a child of necessity’. And we feel NUJ’s intervention is akin to our coming too. So, we don’t feel bad at all. We rather see the NUJ intervention as necessary,’’ he said.

Abolore, while praising the NUJ, said the suspension of elections was even timely, “in order for all contentious issues put forward by the Association’s two factions to be addressed.’’

“This (NUJ intervention) is good for us, and we believe it will help us chart a way forward for lasting peace and an electoral process that will be fair to all involved.

“We must even praise the NUJ, for having patiently waited to hear from all sides before coming in to save a situation that is almost becoming riotous. It has the rights to act in this regard, based on Article 9 (b) of the NUJ Constitution.’’

He said such intervention was also normal since SWAN is an affiliate of the NUJ.

“We SWAN members are also members of NUJ, and our code of conduct is as it is provided in the NUJ Constitution. Article 5 of the SWAN Statutes is clear on this. So, we shall be guided by the NUJ.

“Afterall, we all know we cannot practice and be members of SWAN without being first of all members of NUJ, according to Article 7 (a) of the SWAN Statutes. And that is why when you lose your membership of NUJ you will lose your Full Membership in SWAN, based on Article 7 (h)(iii).’’

Abolore added that his committee, following consultations late Tuesday and early on Wednesday, would now await further directives from both the NUJ and the Chairmen of SWAN State Chapters.

“When all the raised dust is cleared, we shall get back to SWAN members. Until then, we are staying action on all matters of the national elections,’’ he said.

(NAN)

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

7 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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