Benue SWAN week: Lobi Chairman, pledges to partner with journalists to promote sports development

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

The chairman of Lobi stars football club and permanent secretary, ministry of youths, sports and creativity, Dr. Philip Nongu, has pledged to sustained partnership with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN) towards sports development in the State.

The former acting commissioner of sports, made the pledge during the 2025 Benue SWAN week held at the weekend.

The “Walk Fit, Get Smart exercise started on Saturday from IBB Square Makurdi, where men and women of the sports writers undertook a walk covering about 6kms to the state NUJ house, accompanied by prominent dignitaries, including the Chairman Lobi Stars and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths, Sports and Creativity, Dr. Philip Nongu, and Chief Tony Agada, Patron, Coaches Association, Benue state Chapter

Dr. Nongu, however acknowledged the contributions of journalists towards the success of governor Alia's administration and thank SWAN for given him  the opportunity to participate in a SWAN-organised event for the first time in his decades long career in sports.

The chairman noted that the indispensable contribution of sports writers in projecting the achievements of Benue state, particularly under the leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

Highlighting the achievements of SWAN Benue under the leadership of Hembadoon Orsar, the first female chairperson in the state and the entire North Central region, Dr. Nongu praised her inclusive leadership and the association’s extensive coverage of the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF).

“You have justified the sponsorship to the NSF and ensured Benue’s name echoed across the nation,” he said.

The permanent secretary also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting SWAN through office accommodation, sponsorships to national events, and sustainable partnerships.

“We will work together as a team and carry SWAN along in all our activities,” he assured.

The fitness walk, which brought together a diverse group of participants, was hailed as a testament to SWAN’s growing influence and organisational prowess led by National Mr. Isaiah Benjamin.

Dr. Nongu concluded his address with a resounding endorsement: “You have truly demonstrated the saying that an elephant cannot hide behind the shrub.”

SWAN Benue chairman, Hembadoon Orsar, praised the journalists for showing up despite their typically tight routines, noting that “most times, journalists don’t have time for exercise because of their busy schedules in the course of doing their jobs.”

She said the celebration aims to promote physical wellness and camaraderie among sports stakeholders and will culminate in a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday at 8 am

The deputy director of the special unit and research at the Government House, who also serves as a patron of both the coaches association and referees association and was part of the activity lauded the initiative, saying, “As a sportsman, I know that SWAN is a key stakeholder in promoting sports and nurturing talents in the sporting world. I commend the chairman for organising the SWAN Week.”

He further urged SWAN to broaden its reach by involving other sports bodies such as the coaches association, referees association, and football organisations.

“What has happened today will boost SWAN’s visibility and credibility among other sports stakeholders,” he added.

The 2025 SWAN week continues with more activities aimed at celebrating sports journalism and fostering youth engagement in physical fitness and creativity.

The exercise was also part of activities marking the 2025 SWAN week celebration of 60 years as a remarkable milestone for sports journalists in Nigeria.