Ogunsiji returns as Ogun SWAN chairman, unveils development agenda
ABEOKUTA – Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji has been re-elected unopposed as the Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, during the association’s 12th State Triennial Delegates’ Congress held in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Saturday.
Ogunsiji's unanimous return for a second term followed a strong vote of confidence by members, who praised his initial tenure for introducing key administrative reforms, enhancing journalism professionalism, and fostering robust partnerships with sports.
While presenting the certificate of return to the newly executive , the National President of SWAN Comrade Isaiah Benjamin represented by the Vice President South West Ayodeji Ogunsakin commended the previous executives and members for ensuring a rancour free election.
He appreciated the support of the Ogun State Government for providing a befitting state secretariat for the chapter which he described as the best in the region.
He then called for more support of the state government and other critical stakeholders to further consolidate on growth of sports in the state
He charged new executives do more to improve the digital skill of members so as to enhance their contribution to the growth of sport in the country.
In his acceptance speech, the re-elected chairman expressed profound gratitude to members for the overwhelming mandate, describing the outcome as both an honour and a renewed responsibility.
“Your decision to entrust me with a second term without opposition is not merely an endorsement of my person; it is a resounding vote of confidence in the modest successes we have collectively recorded during our first term in office. I do not take this rare privilege for granted. Rather, I see it as a renewed call to duty—a call to consolidate on our achievements, correct our shortcomings and take Ogun SWAN to greater heights”.
He added that the renewed mandate belonged to every member of the association, promising to consolidate on previous achievements while addressing existing challenges.
Ogunsiji commended the electoral committee for conducting what he described as a peaceful, transparent and credible congress and paid tribute to former chairmen of the association for laying a solid foundation for the growth of Ogun SWAN.
He also passed a vote of confidence on the national leadership of SWAN under Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, praising the reforms that have strengthened the association nationwide.
Turning attention to sports development in Ogun State, the SWAN chairman acknowledged the government’s investment in facilities at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena but expressed concern over poor maintenance and underutilisation of some infrastructure.
“Facilities built with public funds should not be allowed to deteriorate,” he said while lamenting the condition of the stadium’s abandoned swimming pool, which he noted had become overgrown with weeds instead of serving as a centre for discovering and nurturing aquatic talents.
Ogunsiji also criticised the lack of sustained grassroots sports programmes following the successful hosting of the 2025 National Sports Festival, warning that the momentum created by the event should not be lost.
He further expressed concern over the absence of a functional practice pitch at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena and condemned the use of sections of the stadium as a car park and driving practice ground.
“A stadium is a sporting sanctuary and should not be reduced to activities that undermine its primary purpose,” he said.
The chairman announced that Ogun SWAN would soon organise a landmark SWAN Forum, where governorship candidates would present their sports development plans as well as their blueprints for the economy and security ahead of the next governorship election.
According to him, the sporting community deserves to understand the vision of those seeking to govern the state.
Ogunsiji also called for stronger collaboration between SWAN, the Ogun State Government, the Ministry of Sports Development, the Ogun State Sports Commission, football clubs, sports associations and corporate organisations to advance sports development and youth empowerment.
He singled out the proprietor of Remo Stars Football Club, Otunba Kunle Soname, for commendation, describing his investments in football infrastructure and youth development as a benchmark across Africa.
The SWAN chairman also challenged the Ogun State Football Association to revive grassroots football and create sustainable pathways for emerging talents, lamenting that the state had not consistently produced national team players in recent decades despite its rich football heritage.
Appealing directly to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ogunsiji requested the donation of an 18-seater bus to Ogun SWAN, noting that the association had operated for more than 50 years without an official vehicle.
“Your Excellency has the unique opportunity to become the first Governor in the over 50-year history of Ogun SWAN to make such a landmark intervention,” he said.
He also expressed dissatisfaction over inadequate sponsorship of flagship programmes such as the SWAN Security Cup, SWAN Media Cup and SWAN Week, urging government agencies, private organisations and sports stakeholders to support initiatives that promote peace, healthy competition and public engagement.
Looking ahead, Ogunsiji assured members that his second term would focus on expanding capacity-building programmes, reviving major SWAN events, strengthening grassroots sports initiatives and promoting ethical sports journalism.
“Our mission is simple: to make Ogun SWAN the conscience of sports development, the voice of every athlete, the pride of every sports journalist and the foremost state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. Together, we have made progress. Together, we shall make history,” he assured
In his speech , the chairman of SWAN Electoral Committee Alhaji Idris Ojeyinka charged the new executives to give priority to the growth of the chapter by being more alive to their responsibilities in the area of retraining of members
He urged members to sustain their support by ensuring regular payments of their monthly dues to the chapter .
Other elected executives are: Taiwo Fabajo as vice Chairman, Olusegun Folarin as Secretary, Seun Odunlami Assistant Secretary, Micheal Adesanya as Treasurer , Hassan Olatunji as Financial Secretary and Bayo Adegboyega as welfare officer.
Dignitaries included the State Commissioner for sport development Hon Wasiu Isiaka represented by Acting Director of Sport Seyi Sonde, Ogun State Football Association Chairman Alhaji Ganiu Majekodunmi, General Manager Gateway Football Club Niyi Soleye, Legislative aide to the senate president Olufemi Allen Taylor, Alhaji Wahab Lawal President Abeokuta all stars club, Abiodun Odejinmi Ex- international, Former Chairman Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade Wole Sokunbi , APC Chairman Abeokuta South Local Government Hon. Henry Fagbenro among others.
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