By Oyintokoni Joel , Yenagoa
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Bayelsa State Chapter has inaugurated a 7-man committee to oversee the planning and execution of the 2026 SWAN Week scheduled for November 30 to December 5.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of its congress meeting held on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa and signed by the Chapter Secretary, Mr. Patrick Ndubuisi.
The congress commended the Bayelsa State Government for what it described as “unprecedented” support and commitment to sports development under the administration of Governor Douye Diri.
It also congratulated Governor Diri and his Deputy, Pastor Peter Akpe, on the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State.
The association equally lauded the State Ministry of Sports for its initiative to celebrate outstanding personalities who have made the state proud in the sports sector.
With this year’s SWAN Week themed around promoting participation and fitness, congress set up and inaugurated the SWAN Week Committee.
Mr. Preye Yabrifa was named Chairman, while Bassey Willie, Tommy Amaegbe, EKaunkumo Amgbare, Hananeel Jackson, Finecountry David, and Priye Robert are members. Patrick Ndubuisi will serve as Secretary of the committee.
Congress approved that the 2026 SWAN Week will feature additional sporting events. New events to be included are the 100 metres and 200 metres races, in addition to already existing activities, as well as a Dinner/Award Night.
The Bayelsa chapter also congratulated the national body of SWAN for a successful triennial delegates congress held in Kaduna.
It specifically congratulated the National President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, and other executive members for their victory at the 2026 elections, urging them to “continue to raise the bar” in administering the activities of sports writers in the country.
Congress urged all sports journalists and intending members to remain open to learning on the job and to be active and committed to SWAN activities to strengthen the association and uphold professional standards.
It reassured Bayelsans of its readiness to maintain professionalism in its reportage and to work with all relevant stakeholders in promoting sporting activities in the state and beyond.
Members of the communique drafting committee were Desire Oruwari as Chairman and Michael Lakpa as Secretary.
