Nasarawa SWAN Decorates Gov. Sule as Patron, Names Tennis Championship in His Name

By Michael Umudjon

Nasarawa State Government Engr Abdullahi Sule has been decorated as the Grand Patron of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Nasarawa State Chapter.

The decoration was done at a ceremony in the Government House by Swan National President Comrade Benjamin Isaiah and States Chairman Comrade Smah George.

The governor, while expressing his gratitude for the honour, pledged his commitment to supporting the association and its members.

“I want to thank you for the honor done to me today,” he said. “When Eche Amos reached out, I didn’t expect such a large delegation, including the SWAN National President and the Secretary-General, alongside key commissioners and officials from the state.”

Governor Sule emphasized his respect for competence and hard work, commending Eche Amos, a member of SWAN, for his role in facilitating the event.

“I have great respect for Eche Amos. He made this meeting possible, and I admire his dedication. We have great potential in Nasarawa State, particularly in sports, and I am committed to promoting and developing talent in this area,” he added.

The governor highlighted recent achievements, including the success of Ismail Shuaibu, a young tennis player from Nasarawa, who placed third in a national tournament in Lagos and is now attracting attention from international organizations.

In response to a request from SWAN National President, Comrade Benjamin Isaiah, to host the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nasarawa State, Governor Sule expressed his enthusiasm.

“I will be happy to host the SWAN NEC meeting here in Nasarawa. It will promote the state’s potential at almost no cost,” he said.

Earlier, SWAN Nasarawa Chairman, Comrade Smah George, congratulated the governor on the promotion of Nasarawa United FC and FC Basira to the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nigeria National League, respectively. He also expressed gratitude for the appointment of Eche Amos to the board of Nasarawa United FC.

“We are proud of his appointment. It is well-deserved considering his dedication to sports journalism and development in the state,” George stated.

Explaining the rationale behind appointing Governor Sule as the Grand Patron, the SWAN chairman praised the governor’s achievements in the sports sector.

“We have monitored your accomplishments, which are remarkable. Your leadership and vision in sports development make you an ideal figure to serve as our Grand Patron,” George added

Mr George further informed the Governor of Swan’s intentions to host a competition in his name.

“The association will like to also inform His Exllencey our intention to lias with your office to stage “AA Sule SWAN Tennis Championship” either in October or November as it pleases his Exllencey” he added.

SWAN National President, Comrade Benjamin Isaiah, also commended Governor Sule for his support to the association, particularly through Amos’s appointment. He further requested the governor’s assistance with providing a bus and a secretariat for SWAN Nasarawa as stated by Smah George, emphasizing the importance of these resources in promoting the state’s image.

Among those in attendance were Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development, Jafaru Ango, Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Ibrahim Uthman Angbolo, alongside other government officials and SWAN leaders.