SWAN at 60: Ekiti Governor, Oyebanji, Senator Bamidele,Oba Alabi,Others honoured with National awards
Ekiti state Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been conferred with the National Merit Award as Best Governor (Sports Development), South-West Nigeria,by the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The prestigious award was conferred on the Governor at the 60th Diamond Jubilee anniversary celebration of the Association held at the VIP Lounge of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Friday, 31st October, 2025.
The award was due to the huge investments in sports infrastructure by the Governor which are obvious through his administration’s strides.
These include upgrading of the State Sports Council to Sports Commission, setting up of Ekiti State Sports Trust Fund Board, renovation and upgrading of the
Oluyemi Kayode Stadium to global standards, construction of sports hostel and multi-purpose indoor sports hall at the state pavilion, Ado Ekiti Among other strides.
At the award ceremony,attended by prominent personalities from across the country, Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele,representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, was also honoured with SWAN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD for his
outstanding contributions to sports development and youth empowerment across the Senatorial District and
Ekiti State in general.
The award was also in acknowledgement of the Senator’s investment in Sports through different sports initiatives and construction of stadia in towns in his Senatorial District.
The awards were received on behalf of the Governor and the Senate Leader by the pioneer SWAN Chairman in the state, Toyin Ayoola who is also a recipient of the Veteran Sports journalist Award
Also honoured with award at the SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration include the former President of the Association Oba Barr.Steve Alabi ,the Olosi of Osi Ekiti,who was conferred with “SWAN merit award” the former Vice President Tennis Federarion, Yemi Owoseni, who received SWAN Diamond Jubilee National Award and the state Chairman SWAN Kazeem Oladapo who bagged fellow of SWAN award.
The South West Zone Vice President of SWAN Ayodeji Ogunsakin congratulated the state Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele for the well deserved honour saying it is a reflection of their commitment to sports and human development in Ekiti state.
The Vice President equally congratulated other awardees in the State for the honour well deserved, and expressed the belief that this will spur the to do more for the growth of sports journalism and sports development in general.
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