Dikko, Olopade, Dare, Daniel among honourees as SWAN marks 60th anniversary
pannigeriannews
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The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; the Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade; former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Sunday Dare; and the Special Assistant (Media) to the NSC Director General, Mr. Kola Adeyanju (popularly known as Kola Daniel), were among distinguished Nigerians honoured at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) 60th Anniversary Distinguished Service Awards (SDSA).
The award ceremony, held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, celebrated six decades of SWAN’s contribution to sports journalism and national sports development.
Mr. Kola Daniel received the Outstanding Support to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria award in recognition of his consistent partnership and contributions to sports media growth. His principal, Hon. Bukola Olopade, was also recognised for his visionary leadership and transformation efforts in sports administration.
Other awardees included Hon. Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development; Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; Hon. Phillip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State; and Hon. Silas Agara, former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, among others.
In a statement by Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR, Director, Information and Public Relations, the Commission commended SWAN for recognising the contributions of sports administrators and media professionals who have played key roles in promoting sports development in Nigeria.
Speaking after receiving his award, Mr. Adeyanju expressed gratitude to God, his principal, and the sports media community.
“I thank Almighty God for bringing me this far, and my boss, Honourable Bukola Olopade, for the opportunity to serve and contribute to sports development in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the honour would motivate him to continue doing his best.
He also appreciated the leadership and members of SWAN, his professional colleagues, and friends for their support throughout his career.
The SWAN Distinguished Service Awards form part of activities marking the Association’s 60th anniversary, aimed at honouring individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to the growth of sports and sports journalism in Nigeria.
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