*canvass re-election of present executives
By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Akwa Ibom State Chapter on
Friday, took time out to wine, dine and share experiences garnered during the outgone year and how best to add value to Sports reportage and the association in 2022.
The event which was an End of Year/New Year Get-together, held at E Plus Prime Hotel, Uyo also featured the first monthly congress of the chapter for the year 2022.
Setting the tone of the event, the Chapter Chairman of SWAN, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan said the last two years of his administration has brought glory to SWAN, adding that the tangible achievements recorded have been of immense benefits to members.
The chairman stated that despite the divided interests during his election, he has been able to carry all members along and make them feel sense of belonging.
Comrade Akpan thanked members of his executive, advisory committee and other members for the massive support given to his administration.
He appealed to members to redouble their support given to the administration even as they should offer constructive criticism for SWAN in the state to move forward.
Addressing the gathering, the immediate past Director of Sports in the State, Coach Lawrence Iquaibom described Sports as an interesting area to belong and hailed the Sports journalists for living up to their expectations of promoting sports in Nigeria.
The South South Vice President of SWAN, Otuekong Bonny Nyong announced that it is expedient that comrade Emmanuel Akpan be given another opportunity to run the Affairs of SWAN in Akwa Ibom given his landslide achievements.
He said the idea to allow the current chairman to continue his good works has been endorsed by the Zonal and National leadership of SWAN.
The State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Amos Etuk, who himself, a member of SWAN, lauded Comrade Emmanuel Akpan leadership for changing the narrative of SWAN and pledged the support of the NUJ to the administration.
Earlier the State’s Chairman of SWAN Advisory Committee, Elder Justice Udousoro had said the event was packaged to allow members of the Association to relate with and tap from the vast experiences of the long serving members.
Comrade Udousoro who is a former SWAN Vice President South South commended the executive for always making positive impact and sustaining the annual get together ritual.
A one-time Chairman of SWAN in the State, Comrade Eno Udo said that he was elated to see the Association in the state growing in leaps and bounds since its inception in 1987 when Akwa Ibom State was created.
Udo, who is the pioneer State chairman, said that the Get- together Party had provided another ample opportunity for members to feel each other in a joyous mood and experiences.
On his part, another former chairman, Prof Uwem Akpan hailed what he described as ‘wonderful initiative’ brought into SWAN in Akwa Ibom State.
Prof Akpan expressed delight at the transparency exhibited by Comrade Emmanuel Akpan-led administration, applaud-able welfare package for members and the teamwork spirit by executive.
A member, Comrade Idongesit Ikono in his comment said that he was elated at the transformation witnessed in SWAN since the coming on board of the Emmanuel Akpan led administration.
A friend of SWAN and Publisher of one of state-based tabloids, The Ink Newspaper, Comrade Nsibiet John said he was particularly happy at the priority placed on the welfare of members by the present administration.
John promised continued support to SWAN in the State and charged the Association to do more in the areas of training and capacity building of members.
The event which was an End of Year/New Year Get-together, held at E Plus Prime Hotel, Uyo also featured the first monthly congress of the chapter for the year 2022.
Setting the tone of the event, the Chapter Chairman of SWAN, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan said the last two years of his administration has brought glory to SWAN, adding that the tangible achievements recorded have been of immense benefits to members.
The chairman stated that despite the divided interests during his election, he has been able to carry all members along and make them feel sense of belonging.
Comrade Akpan thanked members of his executive, advisory committee and other members for the massive support given to his administration.
He appealed to members to redouble their support given to the administration even as they should offer constructive criticism for SWAN in the state to move forward.
Addressing the gathering, the immediate past Director of Sports in the State, Coach Lawrence Iquaibom described Sports as an interesting area to belong and hailed the Sports journalists for living up to their expectations of promoting sports in Nigeria.
The South South Vice President of SWAN, Otuekong Bonny Nyong announced that it is expedient that comrade Emmanuel Akpan be given another opportunity to run the Affairs of SWAN in Akwa Ibom given his landslide achievements.
He said the idea to allow the current chairman to continue his good works has been endorsed by the Zonal and National leadership of SWAN.
The State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Amos Etuk, who himself, a member of SWAN, lauded Comrade Emmanuel Akpan leadership for changing the narrative of SWAN and pledged the support of the NUJ to the administration.
Earlier the State’s Chairman of SWAN Advisory Committee, Elder Justice Udousoro had said the event was packaged to allow members of the Association to relate with and tap from the vast experiences of the long serving members.
Comrade Udousoro who is a former SWAN Vice President South South commended the executive for always making positive impact and sustaining the annual get together ritual.
A one-time Chairman of SWAN in the State, Comrade Eno Udo said that he was elated to see the Association in the state growing in leaps and bounds since its inception in 1987 when Akwa Ibom State was created.
Udo, who is the pioneer State chairman, said that the Get- together Party had provided another ample opportunity for members to feel each other in a joyous mood and experiences.
On his part, another former chairman, Prof Uwem Akpan hailed what he described as ‘wonderful initiative’ brought into SWAN in Akwa Ibom State.
Prof Akpan expressed delight at the transparency exhibited by Comrade Emmanuel Akpan-led administration, applaud-able welfare package for members and the teamwork spirit by executive.
A member, Comrade Idongesit Ikono in his comment said that he was elated at the transformation witnessed in SWAN since the coming on board of the Emmanuel Akpan led administration.
A friend of SWAN and Publisher of one of state-based tabloids, The Ink Newspaper, Comrade Nsibiet John said he was particularly happy at the priority placed on the welfare of members by the present administration.
John promised continued support to SWAN in the State and charged the Association to do more in the areas of training and capacity building of members.
