The National Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has named Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the Distinguished Governor of the Year, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
According to SWAN, the award will be formally presented to Governor Okpebholo on Friday, October 31, during the association’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary celebration.
Edo State SWAN Chairman, Comrade Kehinde Osagiede, made the announcement on Tuesday in Benin City when he led members of his executive on a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua.
Osagiede explained that the visit was to officially introduce the new Edo SWAN executive — which assumed office about a year ago — to the commissioner and to strengthen the existing relationship between the association and the state government.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo was carefully chosen for this honour in recognition of his remarkable contributions to sports development within his first year in office,” Osagiede stated.
He also congratulated Prince Afegbua on his appointment as commissioner, noting that the association deemed it important to brief him, as the state’s chief spokesperson, about the upcoming award ceremony.
Osagiede further assured that Edo SWAN would continue to partner with the state government to promote and sustain sports growth across the state.
In his remarks, Prince Kassim Afegbua appreciated SWAN for recognising Governor Okpebholo’s efforts and for its continued support in advancing sports in Edo State.
The commissioner, who disclosed that the governor was on official duty in Ekiti State, promised to convey the honour to him. He also urged sports journalists in Edo to ensure balanced and constructive coverage of the activities of Bendel Insurance FC, Edo Queens, and other sports initiatives of the state government.
“The Edo State Government will continue to partner with SWAN to further enhance sports development in the state,” Afegbua assured.
In the company of the Edo SWAN chairman were the General Secretary, Moses Idahosa, the Assistant Secretary, Mansa Ayoola Adeleke, the Financial Secretary, Joseph Kanjo and a leader of the association, Comrade Aliu Ozioruva.