Nasarawa SWAN gets new Exco

By David Odama

The Nasarawa State chapter of the Sports Writers Association (SWAN) has elected it’s new executive to run the affairs of the association for the next three years.

The new officials emerged Tuesday after a peaceful re-run election that took place at the Nasarawa State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lafia.

Chairman of the electoral committee, Isacc Ukpoju of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) announced Smah George of the state owned Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) as winner having scored 18 votes to defeat his opponent, Solomon Abari of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) who secured nine votes.

The electoral committee chairman also announced Umar Mohammed of Daily Trust as Vice Chairman, Abel Leonard of The Sun Newspaper as Secretary Nehemiah Gwamna of Radio Nigeria (Precious FM Lafia) as Financial Secretary, while Esther Akaa of the Voice Newspaper emerged as Treasurer.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration of the new executive members, National Secretary General of SWAN, Ikenna Okonkwo commended members of the association in the state and the candidates for the display of maturity during the election.

He congratulated the winners and urged them to carry others, especially their opponents along urging them to adhere to the roles and regulations of the association and the oaths of office.

In an acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in chairman appreciated members for speaking through their votes that give him an age over other contestants and pledged not to disappoint them.

The Nasarawa State SWAN chairman also promised to work with his opponent and all members of the association in order to make the association viable in the state.

George announced that the association under him leadership would partner government and other stakeholders to promote sports development in the state.

Recalled that the chairmanship candidates had a tie of 13 votes in the july 6th election.