The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Kano chapter, has honored Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa and Nigeria Football Federation technical committee chairman, Sheriff Ahlan, and others for their contribution to sports development.
Speaking at the event on Monday in Kano at the NUJ press center, the chairman of SWAN, Zahradeen Saleh, said that the icons were carefully selected for their various contributions to sports development in the state and the country as a whole.
Saleh explained that individuals and professionals thwhoave distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavor, particularly sports were recognized by the association.
READ ALSO: SWAN’s NEC Dismiss Impeachment Report Against President Isaiah Benjamin
He, however, charged award recipients not to rest on their oars, but to be more committed in their professional duties.
In a remark, Shariff Ahlan, who is also the chairman of Kano FA, commended SWAN for recognizing his little contribution to the development of sports.
Ahlan also urged the state government to complete the Mahaha spsportsomplex in the Kano metropolis to develop budding talents in the state.
Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, former president of the defunct NFA, in his speech, said that SWAN deserves commendation for the wise decision to recognize personalities that made an impact in sports development.
He also urged the state government to make more efforts to develop sports in the state.
Alhaji Safiyanu Kachako, the commissioner of sports, restated the government’s commitment to complete the Mahaha sports complex in the metropolis.
He further said that the government would develop the complex to allow youth to explore their sporting skills.
Those who received the award include, Ahmed Musa, Sports Man of the Year 2023, while Rabiu Ali of Kano Pillars won the Nigerian Primer Football League (NPFL) legend of the year.
Others were, coach Wilson Idanwekhai, basketball grassroots developer of the year 2023, and Mrs. Laura Sharpe, philanthropist of the year.
READ ALSO: Kano SWAN Condole It’s State Chairman Over Father’s Death
Also recognized were, Moses Ted Andishu, a philanthropist, and Dr. Muritala Alimi, the leader of the Yoruba community in Kano, who were also conferred as patrons of Kano SWAN.
Lurwanu Malikawa, Vice President Northwest, SWAN, received the award in recognition of his contributions to the development of sports in the state and the country as a whole while Ramadan Garba won the best player in traditional boxing (Dambe) among others.