Preparations have reached an advanced stage in Kaduna as sports journalists and delegates from across Nigeria are set to converge on the state for the 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), scheduled for August 26 to 28.

The three-day congress, which will bring together SWAN delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is themed, “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Competitiveness.”

The gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for sports journalists to deliberate on the future of sports journalism in Nigeria, strengthen professional collaboration and address some of the challenges confronting practitioners in the rapidly changing media landscape. Blueprint reports

Beyond its electoral responsibilities, the congress is expected to focus on the repositioning of the association and the broader role of sports journalism in national development.

Congress goes beyond elections, says SWAN president

Speaking ahead of the event, SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, said the triennial congress should not be viewed merely as an electoral gathering.

Benjamin said the event would provide an opportunity for members to reflect on the association’s achievements, deliberate on issues affecting sports journalists and renew their commitment to using sports and the media to contribute to national development.

“The SWAN Triennial National Delegates Congress is more than an electoral gathering. It is an opportunity for us as sports journalists to reflect, deliberate and renew our commitment to using sports and the media as instruments for national development,” he said.

He urged delegates to approach the congress with an open mind and contribute meaningfully to discussions aimed at strengthening the association.

“I urge all delegates to come prepared to contribute meaningfully to the process,” Benjamin added.

Kaduna chapter assures delegates of hospitality

The Chairman of the Kaduna State SWAN chapter, Mallam Shehu Abdullahi, assured delegates and invited guests that the host chapter had made adequate preparations for the congress.

Abdullahi expressed the chapter’s excitement at hosting the national gathering, saying Kaduna was ready to welcome SWAN leadership, delegates from across the country, invited dignitaries and other stakeholders.

“Kaduna is ready. We are delighted and proud to welcome the leadership of SWAN, delegates from the 36 states and the FCT, invited dignitaries and other stakeholders,” he said.

According to him, the host chapter is committed to ensuring that delegates enjoy a comfortable stay and experience the hospitality for which Kaduna is known.

“We are committed to ensuring that every delegate feels at home and experiences the hospitality of Kaduna,” he said.

Ikenna Okonkwo confident of seamless congress

The SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, also expressed confidence in the level of preparations for the event.

Okonkwo said the organising team had continued to work towards ensuring a seamless experience for delegates from their arrival in Kaduna through the various activities scheduled for the congress.

“We are fully prepared to receive our colleagues and guests. Our focus has been on ensuring that the Congress experience is seamless, from the arrival of delegates to the various activities lined up for the gathering,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Kaduna would provide a memorable experience for members of the SWAN family.

“We are confident that Kaduna will give the SWAN family a memorable experience,” Okonkwo added.

Media committee promises extensive coverage

The Chairman of the SWAN 2026 Triennial Congress Media Committee, Mr Samuel Ahmadu, said the committee had put measures in place to ensure extensive coverage of the congress across different media platforms.

Ahmadu said the committee’s responsibility went beyond reporting the activities of the congress, stressing the need to communicate the significance of the gathering and its potential impact on sports journalism and national development.

“Our responsibility is not only to report what happens in Kaduna but also to tell the story of why this Congress matters,” he said.

He disclosed that the committee was engaging media organisations across the country to ensure that the discussions, ideas and decisions emerging from the congress reach audiences within and outside Nigeria.

“We are engaging media platforms across the country to ensure that the conversations, ideas and decisions emerging from the Congress reach audiences across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Ahmadu assured that the committee was prepared to provide comprehensive coverage before, during and after the congress.

“We are fully prepared to deliver comprehensive coverage before, during and after the event,” he added.

Professional development, welfare on agenda

The congress is expected to attract SWAN delegates, national and state chapter executives, government representatives, sports administrators, media stakeholders and other dignitaries.

While the election of national officers will form an important part of the gathering, organisers said the congress would also address issues central to the future of sports journalism in Nigeria.

Key areas expected to feature in discussions include professional development, digital transformation, media ethics, journalists’ welfare and the evolving role of sports journalism in national development.

The theme of the congress is expected to provide a framework for discussions on how sports can be leveraged to empower young people, promote national development and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

The gathering will also provide an avenue for sports journalists from different parts of the country to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and consider new approaches to reporting sports in an increasingly digital media environment.

Kaduna set for national sports media gathering

With preparations reaching the final stages, Kaduna is expected to become the centre of Nigeria’s sports journalism community for the duration of the congress.

Delegates are expected to begin arriving in the state ahead of the opening ceremony scheduled for Thursday, August 27, while activities will continue through August 28.

The congress is expected to combine electoral and administrative responsibilities with broader professional conversations aimed at strengthening SWAN and improving the working environment for sports journalists across the country.

For the host chapter, national SWAN leadership and the congress committees, the immediate task is to deliver a successful gathering that leaves delegates with not only a new leadership structure but also renewed confidence in the ability of sports journalism to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.