Isaiah Benjamin Gets Second Term as SWAN President

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has re-elected Isaiah Kemje Benjamin as National President and Ikenna Okonkwo as Secretary General for another three-year term. This decision came after the successful completion of the 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress in Kaduna. Benjamin secured his position unopposed, while Nyong Bonny Silas from Akwa Ibom State and Samuel Gangwaja from Adamawa State won the only two contested positions at the national and zonal levels.

The congress brought together delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to review affairs, elect a new National Executive Council, and discuss the future of Nigerian sports and sports journalism. The only close contest was for the position of Deputy President, where Nyong defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta by 21 votes to 14.

The North-East zonal contest also saw a change in leadership, with Gangwaja defeating the incumbent Ahmed Kagana Amshi. With a largely unopposed election, Benjamin's re-election extends his leadership of SWAN for another three years, providing continuity as the association aims to improve members' welfare, professional development, and sports journalism recognition.

The newly elected officers at the zonal level include Gangwaja as Vice President, North-East; Zaharadeen Saleh as Vice President, North-West; Azuka Chiemeka as Vice President, South-South; Ikemefuna Asika as Vice President, South-East; and Ayodeji Ogunsakin as Vice President, South-West. Benjamin's second term begins with Sir Ben Churchill Aniekwena as the sworn-in new National Executive Council.