New SWAN exco strips Orji Kalu of title

Sa’idu Abubakar, who was elected President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos State, has pledged to bring about positive changes to the association.
Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday that part of his policy would be to de-robe some personalities of their titles.

He said: "As part of the changes by the new administration of SWAN, the title of Pillar of Sports held by former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia will be dropped

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& quot;We will write a letter to that effect and also appoint Donatus Ejidike, President, Karate Federation of Nigeria, as the new Pillar of Sports in the country."
The president also said that two committees, Ethics and Disciplinary and Marketing and Sponsorship, would be inaugurated for the progress of the association.
He said: "With the formation of these committees, I believe that we will experience a better SWAN compared to the previous tenure."
Abubakar urged the newly-elected members of the SWAN executive to work in unity to achieve success.
Also, the new SWAN Vice-President, Patrick Omorodion, said the body would definitely experience positive changes as the executive would strive to raise standards of sports journalism.
"I assure our members that we will do our best to raise the standard of sports writing in the country as well as increase the respect the public has for the profession," Omorodion said.
Omorodion said that he supported the handing over of the title of Pillar of Sports to Ejidike because the former holder did not discharge his duties as expected.
In his comment, Ben Ogbemudia, elected Deputy Secretary-General, said that he would collaborate with the other members of the association to move it forward.
"I pledge my loyalty and dedication to uplift the standard of SWAN to attain international standards," Ogbemudia said.
Meanwhile, Osayomore Ogbebor, an observer from Edo State, said that he was confident that the newly elected SWAN officials will discharge their duties for the progress of the association.
Other elected members are: Andrew Abah, Secretary-General; AtomTerkula, Vice President, North Central; Cajetan Nkwopara, Vice President, South East; and Abubakar Adamu, Vice President North East.
The others include Ado Salisu, Vice President, North West; Justice Udousoro Vice President, South South; and Usman Abass, National Auditor.