Sports
My Successor Must Be Better Than Me – SWAN President
Outgoing President of
the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Saidu Abubakar, has challenged his successor to be hard working if he is to continue the process of moving the association forward.
With SWAN national elections scheduled for July next month, members are already indicating interest to vie for different positions, that of president included.
Abubakar who has served two tenures as president of SWAN says a successor who must be able to do 200% better than what he meets on ground is what he expects of whoever becomes the new Association president.
I expect that anybody that is going to take over from me must be somebody who can do 200% better than I have done.
I am not planning to install anybody anyway but whoever it is I expect that person must brace up and be ready to take up a very serious challenge.
The amiable Abubakar says his tenure witnessed numerous achievements chief of which is instilling of a level of peace amongst warring factions in different chapters across the country.
It is his hope that such a calm atmosphere would help the incoming executives achieve the common goal of moving the association and its members to a higher pedestal.
The peaceful atmosphere that we’ve had during our time is one thing I can be proud of.
That atmosphere that we have been able to create we hope our successors would come and build on.
It is a very good platform which we didn’t meet and we had to start from the scratch but now we are bequeathing a very conducive atmosphere and environment for our members and the incoming exco also to operate in.
Vice president South-South of the association, Honour Sirawoo has indicated interest to succeed Abubakar as president of SWAN and has promised not to disappoint if he succeeds at the polls next month.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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