The executive members of Imo Sports Writer’s Association of Nigeria (SWAN) were on Wednesday the 16th of May 2012 passed with a vote of confidence by it’s members and returned un- opposed and elected for a second tenure.
The event which took place at the conference hall of the SWAN building right there at Dan Anyiam Stadium had the likes of Mr. Foster Amadi (South – East SWAN zonal Vice – president) fromEnuguwho represented the National president. Mr. Emma Odibo (Secretary Imo NUJ) and Rev Lucky Iroh (Fin Sec) were also at the venue to witness for the Imo NUJ. Also at the congress was Lady Ngozi Anyanwu (Secretary of the Imo Sports Council) who represented the state Director of Sports Mrs. Aretola Chizotam.
Speaking before the election proper, the chairman of SWAN John Nwogu in his speech took time to enumerate some of the achievements recorded between 2009 – 2012 by his leadership.
(1) The body successfully hosted an award ceremony that has remained talk of the town which celebrated the likes of Dr Patrick Ekeji (DG of NSC).
(2) It also acquired an L300 mini bus which has continued to ease the movement of SWAN members to functions.
(3) Under their leadership members also have made international trips with Heartland FC and the All African Games contingent which helps to improve the ideas of our sports Journalists.
(4) For the first time, Imo SWAN started operating an account in the Bank for future their endevours and projects.
The chairman in continuation lamented on the inability of the association to gain full control of the SWAN building as it has continued sharing it with CHESS players.
The representative of SWAN National exco Mr. Foster Amadi charged the elected officers to continue to uphold the true values of journalism and also strengthen the promotion of sports. He further pledged to support Imo SWAN at the next National elections.
In his own address the secretary of NUJ (Imo chapter) Mr. Emma Odibo tasked the members to do more in encouraging the younger ones to find love in becoming sports journalists as a carrier and also admitting female journalists.
Lady Ngozi Anyanwu who stood for the Director of Sports (Imo) praised the efforts of journalists (SWAN) in Imo, for their great work in promoting sports. She also pledged the Directors and council’s support while calling on the SWAN members to always support their leaders.
The chairman on behalf of the excos promised to continue the good work already established, he also used the opportunity to call for the inclusion of Imo SWAN members into the National Executive council. He finally thanked the participants for their cooperation and understanding.
The chairman emeritus of Imo SWAN, Mr Chris Abiaziem of Orient FM and TV sports desk eulogized the relationship of IMO SWAN and all the sporting quarters from the National level to the state and the local level. He prayed that the new Exco’s will lead SWAN to greater heights.
The elected Imo SWAN Exco’s are:-
(1) Mr John Nwogu (Orient FM) – Chairman
(2) Iheanyi Emesionwu (Orient FM) – Vice Chairman
(3) Charles Ogbuaja (Guardian Newspaper) – Secretary
(4) Ifeanyi Onyeaghala (Orient FM) – Fin Sec.
(5) Everest Ezihe – Welfare Officer
(6) Throdor Tasie (National Leader Newspeper) – Treasurer
(7) Okoroigwe Anthony (Red Parrot Newspaper) – Auditor
(8) Cajethan Nkwopara (Media Heartland FC) – Asst. Sec.
