By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The Gombe State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) now has a new leadership under the chairmanship of Mr. Mark Malele, CEO of Jewel Sports newspaper, after a peaceful election.
The new SWAN executive which was inaugurated by the National Vice-President in charge of North-East zone of the association, Mr Ahmed Amshi Kagana, in company of a National Ex-Officio, Mr. Usman Abbas Shehu, Tuesday morning (21/05/2024) at Amina Hall Gombe, also has William Attah of Daily Independent newspaper as the Secretary.
Other officials in the new executive inaugurated were Esther Lakama of Amana FM Radio Gombe, Financial Secretary and Mr. Rabilu Abubakar of Aminiya/Daily Trust newspaper as Treasurer.
In his address just before the inauguration, Mr. Ahmed Amshi charged the new SWAN leadership to first and foremost practice and lead according to the professional ethics of Sports writers.
While assuring the new Gombe SWAN leadership and entire members of the National President’s support, he called on SWAN in Gombe to leave it’s doors open for qualified members to join the association.
He commended Gombe SWAN for organising a peaceful and rancour free election after the chapter witnessed an attempt to polarise the association in the recent past.
Earlier in his welcome address, the immediate past State Chairman of SWAN, Mr. Mohammed Halilu Teli, thanked members for supporting and reporting sports activities in the State noting that the journey was not however without challenges.
He thanked the State Government under Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya who stood by the association when attempts were made to hijack the association from practicing and professional sports journalists in the State.
The Gombe State Commissioner, Ministry for Youth and Sports Development, Adamu Inuwa Ibrahim, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Modi D. Shelpidi, congratulated the new SWAN executives and pledged to solidly stand by them.
He charged the new leadership to justify the confidence reposed on them by ensuring that SWAN publicize sporting activities that is being promoted by Government and private individuals.
In his acceptance speech, the new SWAN Chairman, Mr. Mark Malele, who is a renowned Sports presenter and promoter in Amana FM radio Gombe, described the election of the new SWAN executive as a big opportunity to serve Gombe and the sporting world in general.
He assured that SWAN will work with all sports stakeholders in and out of the State promising that, “we are not going to shut our doors to any member who is qualified to be part of Gombe SWAN”.
