Anambra SWAN: Anaso, Ndeke Return for Another Three Years as Grassroots Sports Coverage Takes Centre Stage
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra State Chapter, has re-elected Chimezie Anaso of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Chairman and Uche Ndeke of Radio Nigeria as Secretary for another three-year term, with the national leadership urging the returning executive to strengthen grassroots sports coverage and uphold professionalism.
The election, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, also returned other members of the incumbent executive, signalling continuity in the association’s leadership. Speaking after the exercise, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin, represented by the South-East Zonal Vice President, Ikem Asika, commended the executive for its performance during its first tenure and challenged it to achieve more in the coming years.
Benjamin stressed the need for inclusive leadership, urging the executive to ensure that every member participates meaningfully in the association’s programmes and activities. He also praised the Anambra chapter for projecting the state positively at the national level through effective administration and grassroots sports reportage.
The re-elected officials are Chimezie Anaso of NAN as Chairman, Uche Ndeke of Radio Nigeria as Secretary, Pamel Eboh as Vice Chairman, Marvelous Ezenwa of Kpakpando FM as Treasurer, Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu of Fides Newspaper as Assistant Secretary, and Ifeanyi Okonkwo as Welfare Officer.
Presenting certificates of return to the successful candidates, Chairman of the SWAN Electoral Committee, Emmanuel Ndukuba, cited Section 12D of the association’s statute, explaining that candidates who run unopposed are returned elected.
A former SWAN South-East Zonal Vice President, Chigozie Chukwuleta, commended the Anambra executive for what he described as purposeful leadership and expressed optimism that the team would record greater achievements in its new tenure.
In his acceptance remarks, Anaso thanked the national and zonal leadership for their support and encouragement of sports journalists across the country. He pledged to build on the executive’s previous achievements and take the association to greater heights over the next three years.
The renewed mandate places expectations on the executive to strengthen the association’s internal structures, improve members’ welfare and give greater visibility to grassroots sporting activities, where emerging talents often need media exposure to attract recognition and opportunities.
