By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Kaduna State Governor, Prof. Bello Ayuba, has commended the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and his national executive team for their deliberate efforts in uplifting the association and building upon the legacies of its founding fathers.
Prof. Ayuba stated this on Tuesday 20th January, 2026, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna, while being formally presented with the SWAN Grand Service Award.
Expressing his gratitude for the honor, the PPS noted the significance of having the SWAN National President hail from Kaduna State. He pledged his continued support to help the association reach even greater heights.
“This prestigious award means a lot to me, and I will forever cherish this honour,” Prof. Ayuba stated.
In his remarks, SWAN President Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, who led the delegation, emphasized the integrity of the association’s recognition process. He clarified that SWAN honors are strictly merit-based.
He said that the award is reserved for those who have made tangible contributions to the association or sports development in Nigeria.
According to him, Prof. Ayuba was selected based on his “relentless support for sports development” and his history of service in various capacities.
As a former SWAN Chairman in Bauchi State, Prof. Ayuba is recognized for his immense contributions to the industry at the grassroots and state levels.
Recalled that Prof. Ayuba was originally nominated for the SWAN @ 60 Awards held last year at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Although he was unable to attend the national ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances, the association ensured the formal presentation took place in his current base of operations in Kaduna.
The SWAN President concluded by urging the PPS to continue his “good works,” noting that the association would continue to tap into his wealth of experience for future growth.
