Isaiah Benjamin Gets Second Term as SWAN President

Isaiah Kemje Benjamin will lead the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria for another three years after winning re-election as national president at the association’s 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress in Kaduna.

Benjamin ran unopposed in the election held on Friday, August 28. Ikenna Okonkwo also secured another term as secretary general. The congress brought together delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to review the association’s affairs, elect its national executive council and discuss the future of Nigerian sports journalism.

The closest contest came for deputy president. Nyong Bonny Silas of Akwa Ibom defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra by 21 votes to 14, with one ballot declared invalid. In the North-East zonal contest, Samuel Gangwaja of Adamawa defeated incumbent Ahmed Kagana Amshi of Yobe by four votes to two.

Most other national and zonal positions were filled without opposition. The new executive includes Samuel Ahmadu as deputy secretary general, Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde as treasurer and Ijeoma Nwante as financial secretary. Zonal vice presidents include Zaharadeen Saleh in the North-West, Azuka Chiemeka in the South-South, Ikemefuna Asika in the South-East and Ayodeji Ogunsakin in the South-West.

The officers were sworn in by Sir Ben Churchill Aniekwena of Juris Consults in Kaduna State. Benjamin’s second term is expected to bring continuity as SWAN addresses members’ welfare, professional development and institutional recognition for sports journalists.