The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, has urged the Kano State Government to urgently release funds to the State Sports Commission and other relevant sports bodies to revive sports development in the state.

The association made the call in a statement issued by its Secretary, Muhammad Nur Tijani, expressing concern over challenges affecting sports development, particularly delays in the release of funds for athletes’ preparations and participation in major competitions.

Kano SWAN said timely funding remained critical to the success of athletes and teams representing the state, noting that inadequate financial support had negatively affected preparations and performances in various sporting events.

The association said the delay in releasing funds to the Kano Pillars Basketball team contributed to challenges faced during the recently concluded Final Eight Premier Basketball Championship in Port Harcourt, where the team finished sixth.

It also expressed concern over the preparedness of Kano athletes for the EKO 2026 National Intermediate Games, saying that although the athletes were currently training, urgent financial support was needed to ensure effective participation.

Kano SWAN warned that failure to provide the necessary resources on time could affect the state’s participation and force some talented athletes to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

The association recalled that Kano had a rich sporting history, producing outstanding athletes and teams that recorded successes at national and international competitions.

It, however, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of sports facilities, movement of athletes to other states in search of better opportunities, and the need to adequately recognise and motivate medal-winning athletes.

According to the association, sports has evolved into a major global business venture requiring sustained investment, proper planning and adequate support to achieve meaningful results.

Kano SWAN therefore urged the state government to prioritise sports development by releasing funds to the Sports Commission and other relevant agencies responsible for sports administration to restore Kano’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting states.

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Chairman of Kano State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Zahradeen Saleh, has been elected Vice President, North-West Zone of the association.

Saleh emerged unopposed during the 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress of SWAN held in Kaduna on Friday.

The election brought to a close activities at the congress, which provided delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) the opportunity to review the affairs of the association and elect new leaders for another three-year tenure.

Incumbent SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin , was returned for a second term after emerging unopposed.

Only two positions Deputy President at the national level and Vice President for the North-East Zone required voting.

In the contest for Deputy President, Nyong Bonny of Akwa Ibom State defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra State.

For the North-East Vice President position, Samuel Gangwaja of Adamawa State defeated incumbent Ahmed Kagana Amshi of Yobe State.

The remaining positions were uncontested, making the election largely a ratification exercise.

Other national officers elected alongside Benjamin are Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General; Samuel Ahmadu, Deputy Secretary-General; Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde, Treasurer; and Ijeoma Nwante, Financial Secretary.

At the zonal level, Gangwaja will serve as Vice President, North-East; Saleh, Vice President, North-West; Azuka Chiemeka, Vice President, South-South; Ikemefuna Asika, Vice President, South-East; and Ayodeji Ogunsakin, Vice President, South-West.

Following the conclusion of the election, the newly elected executives were sworn into office by Ben Churchill Aniekwene.

Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Benjamin expressed appreciation to SWAN members for their confidence and pledged to prioritise members’ welfare.

“The welfare of our members will remain a priority for this administration,” Benjamin said.

He said the new leadership would continue to strengthen the association and ensure that members were better positioned to discharge their professional responsibilities.

Benjamin also called for unity among members, urging state chapters, zones and individual members to work together for the growth of the association.

He said the task ahead required collective efforts irrespective of individual choices during the election.

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By Abbas Bamalli

No fewer than 5,600 school bags have been distributed to vulnerable adolescent boys and girls across 10 public secondary schools in Sandamu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, disclosed this on Tuesday during the distribution of 500 kits at Government Day Junior Secondary School, Fago.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the learning kits were distributed by Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria, with support from Cuppy Foundation.

The commissioner, represented by the Director of Schools (Junior), Kabir Dodo, said the beneficiaries received school bags, exercise books, biros and other items.

He said the intervention would reduce the burden on parents, improve school attendance and enhance learning outcomes among vulnerable children.

Jibia commended Save the Children, the Cuppy Foundation and other development partners for supporting education in the state.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration to provide inclusive and quality education through partnerships.

According to him, the benefiting schools include GJSS Fago, GJSS Sandamu, GJSS Kwasarawa, GJSS Rijiyar Tsamiya, GSS Kagare, GJSS Lemon, GJSS Tsadoji, GJSS Karkarku, Smart School Kwasarawa, and GJSS Katsayal.

Earlier, the Principal of Government Day Junior Secondary School, Fago, Bishir Salisu, said the 5,600 school bags had been distributed across the 10 beneficiary schools in Sandamu.

He added that SCI was also implementing the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), Reading Club, Safe Space and School Father and Aunty programmes to improve pupils’ learning and well-being.

The SCI Education Officer, Abubakar Sadiq-Fema, said the learners’ kits were sponsored by the Cuppy Foundation through the support of philanthropist Femi Otedola.

Sadiq-Fema said the project began in Rimi Local Government Area in 2019 before expanding to Sandamu, adding that it would continue until 2031.

Representatives of the Sandamu Local Government Education Authority, the traditional institution and the School-Based Management Committee commended the initiative and pledged continued support.

NAN

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