Lagos SWAN strengthens ties with Lagos Sports Commission

Published

4 years ago

May 5, 2021

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos Chapter, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Oluwatoyin Gaffar.

The newly elected Executive led by its Chairman, Debo Oshundun said the visit was a step towards further strengthening the Association’s ties with the Lagos State Sports Commission.

The Lagos SWAN Exco commended the LSSC for its developmental initiatives in driving sports in Lagos State while describing them as a worthy partner in progress.

While speaking on the occasion, Oshundun thanked the Lagos State Government for the support rendered to the association which made his first term in office a success.

“We are here to say thank you for what you have been doing for the association in the last three years.

“I must tell you we really enjoyed the relationship with the sports commission and I am not too sure we have had it this good in the past.

“Though, I’m not given to praising people but you and the Executive Chairman have always been there for us anytime we knock on your doors for any assistance for association”.

He took out time to thank the DG for the huge role he played in securing a brand new bus from the State Government and the provision of palliatives for members during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Other Lagos SWAN Executive Committee members on the visit were Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu, Bunmi Ogunyale, Alfred Okoligwe, Akin Farinto and Afolabi Oni

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“ This Award Gives Me Hope” Makanjuola Nureni Honoured for His Dedication to Nigerian Sports

Published

2 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Abuja-based football administrator and philanthropist, Makanjuola Nureni, has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his outstanding support to sports journalism and his immense contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The prestigious award was presented on Friday in Abuja during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Abuja, marking 60 years of promoting sports journalism and excellence across the nation.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving the honour, Makanjuola Nureni described the award as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to continue his lifelong commitment to youth and grassroots sports.

“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration to me and my supporters, and I believe it will encourage us to invest more in youth sports development in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the recognition serves as a morale booster after decades of hard work and silent impact in the sports community.

“I feel happy and fulfilled because we have been doing this for decades, and many times, our efforts went unnoticed. But I thank God that SWAN recognized people like us,” Nureni expressed.

Makanjuola Nureni is the founder and owner of Water FC Academy, a renowned football institution based in Abuja that focuses on discovering, nurturing, and empowering young Nigerian talents.

Through Water FC, he has developed and sponsored numerous players who have gone on to represent Nigeria’s national teams and play professionally in clubs across Africa, Europe, and beyond.

His consistency, passion, and investment in the development of young athletes have made him a key figure in Nigerian grassroots football.

In presenting the award, SWAN commended Nureni’s unwavering dedication to the growth of sports and his continuous support for sports journalism and youth empowerment.

The association highlighted his decades-long service to football development and described him as a true partner in the promotion of excellence within Nigerian sports.

The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration brought together prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to honour individuals and organizations whose contributions have advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.

Nureni’s recognition stands out as a testament to his vision, consistency, and commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of Nigerian football.

With this honour, Makanjuola Nureni further cements his legacy as one of the foremost private contributors to sports growth and youth development in Nigeria.

His story continues to inspire a new generation of sports administrators and philanthropists dedicated to transforming Nigerian sports from the grassroots up.

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