The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN Ebonyi state chapter, Southeast Nigeria, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the union in the state.
The newly elected chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Nnaji disclosed this to Journalists in Abakaliki the State capital.
“Those elected included Emmanuel Nnaji as Chairman, Kelechi Okoro, Vice Chairman, Grace Egbo Secretary, Chinwe Imo Eze Assistant Secretary, Joy Onuora Financial Secretary and Andy Nwogha as Treasurer”.
The election was witnessed by an Ex-officio of the association at the national level, Chief Foster Chime and Zonal Secretary, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwante of the Nigeria Television Authority NTA, Abakaliki.
Cosmos Egba of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN was the Chairman of the electoral committee.
Chime while addressing the association, urged the members to remain united and ensure that SWAN continues to exist in the state.
He called on the new leadership to carry the members along to take the union to enviable heights.
Empowering members
In his address, the new Chairman of the Association, Emmanuel Nnaji of Blaze 91.5Fm, commended the members for being resolute in the union.
“This victory is dedicated to the peace-loving and law-abiding members of SWAN who remained resolute to the leadership of Honor Sirawo because he is a custodian of peace and development, and is an encouragement to us all to redouble our efforts in the struggle for sport journalism growth in Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
“For peace to be achieved, we cannot only look at conflict resolution and its architecture but we also have to look at developing this great Association. Amongst the top priorities of my agenda in SWAN is to empower members in different ways. But first we must inculcate these in our minds; genuine tolerance of differences, dialogue, compromise and the spirit of give and take. Because without that we will not be able to manage conflicts in a non violent way. The dialogue must also include proper management of diversity… because most conflicts we see in different associations are to a large measure failure to manage diversity within the association.
“So dialogue and management of diversity is important. The dialogue must be amongst people, it must be born out of mutual respect without one seeking to dominate another. In this context, my team and I are called upon to always show empathy and compassion towards our members, irrespective of colour, heights, creed, religion, sex or age.
“Its a clarion call for members of my team that all hands must be on deck to create prosperity not for few but for all members of this great association. Lets create economic growth that does not maximise profit for shareholders only, but promotes social and economic progress for all in SWAN” Nnaji said.
Nnaji concluded by thanking Mr. Foster Chime for his fatherly advice and as well as those that have worked with them on partnership.
Emmanuel Ukoh
