BY: YAHAYA SADISU ALKASIM, KANO
The Chairman of Kano State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Zahradeen Saleh, has been elected Vice President, North-West Zone of the association.
Saleh emerged unopposed during the 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress of SWAN held in Kaduna on Friday.
The election brought to a close activities at the congress, which provided delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) the opportunity to review the affairs of the association and elect new leaders for another three-year tenure.
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Incumbent SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin , was returned for a second term after emerging unopposed.
Only two positions Deputy President at the national level and Vice President for the North-East Zone required voting.
In the contest for Deputy President, Nyong Bonny of Akwa Ibom State defeated Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra State.
For the North-East Vice President position, Samuel Gangwaja of Adamawa State defeated incumbent Ahmed Kagana Amshi of Yobe State.
The remaining positions were uncontested, making the election largely a ratification exercise.
Other national officers elected alongside Benjamin are Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General; Samuel Ahmadu, Deputy Secretary-General; Amusan Olufemi Ayorinde, Treasurer; and Ijeoma Nwante, Financial Secretary.
At the zonal level, Gangwaja will serve as Vice President, North-East; Saleh, Vice President, North-West; Azuka Chiemeka, Vice President, South-South; Ikemefuna Asika, Vice President, South-East; and Ayodeji Ogunsakin, Vice President, South-West.
Following the conclusion of the election, the newly elected executives were sworn into office by Ben Churchill Aniekwene.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Benjamin expressed appreciation to SWAN members for their confidence and pledged to prioritise members’ welfare.
“The welfare of our members will remain a priority for this administration,” Benjamin said.
He said the new leadership would continue to strengthen the association and ensure that members were better positioned to discharge their professional responsibilities.
Benjamin also called for unity among members, urging state chapters, zones and individual members to work together for the growth of the association.
He said the task ahead required collective efforts irrespective of individual choices during the election.