The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has constituted a three-member media sub-committee for its 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress slated for Kaduna state between August 26 and 29.

The committee has Samuel Ahmadu, Managing Editor of SavidNews and NigeriaFootball.ng, as chairman, while Blueprint.ng correspondent and Assistant Secretary of SWAN Kaduna state chapter, Austine Agbo Emmanuel, will serve as secretary.

Also appointed into the committee is Tunde Liadi of The Nation Newspaper and Sporting Life.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter dated August 15, 2026, and signed by the President of SWAN, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and the Secretary General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo.

Recognition of commitment

According to the national leadership of the association, the appointments were based on the professional records, dedication and commitment of the appointees to the ideals of sports journalism and the advancement of the association.

The letter specifically noted that the appointments were in recognition of their “track record of dedication and drive for positive results and achievements.”

SWAN said the committee’s assignment takes immediate effect and will extend beyond the period of the congress.

The association expressed confidence in the capacity of the committee members to deliver on their mandate and contribute meaningfully to the success of the triennial gathering.

Mandate of the committee

As part of its terms of reference, the Media Sub Committee is expected to coordinate content creation, generation and dissemination before, during and after the congress.

The committee is also tasked with engaging various media platforms, including print, online, television and radio organisations, to ensure adequate publicity and coverage of the congress and related activities.

In addition, members are expected to source, develop and disseminate content relating to the congress as well as national, continental and international sports issues with developmental and elite sports relevance.

The committee will equally support efforts aimed at strengthening the association’s official website through the provision of timely and relevant content.

SWAN said the committee is at liberty to generate and source information that will enrich public discourse on sports development and contribute to the growth of the association’s communication and visibility objectives.

The association, however, urged members of the committee to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Congress theme and expectations

The 2026 National Triennial Congress will hold under the theme: “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Competitiveness.”

The theme is expected to shape discussions around the growing role of sports and the media in driving social transformation, economic growth and youth development in Nigeria.

Delegates from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to converge on Kaduna for the four day event.

The congress will provide an opportunity for sports journalists and stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the profession, including professional development, welfare of members, ethical standards, digital transformation and the future of sports journalism in an increasingly technology driven environment.

It is also expected to feature strategic conversations on how sports reporting can contribute to national development, talent discovery, youth engagement and the promotion of Nigeria’s image on the global stage.

Kaduna ready to host

The choice of Kaduna as host of the congress has generated excitement among members of the association, with the state chapter already making arrangements to welcome delegates from across the country.

The event is expected to serve as a platform for reviewing the activities of the association, strengthening professional networks and charting a new course for sports journalism in Nigeria.

Beyond the congress, participants are also expected to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in promoting sports development and improving media coverage of sporting activities at all levels.

With the constitution of the media-sub committee, preparations for the congress have gathered momentum as SWAN intensifies efforts to deliver what many members expect will be one of the most impactful editions of its triennial delegates congress.

The association said the Kaduna gathering would not only focus on internal matters but also provide a broader platform for discussing the future of Nigerian sports, the role of the media and the contribution of both sectors to national growth and global competitiveness.