SWAN Honours 50 Sports Icons in Ondo
The contributions of athletes,
Administrators, coaches, journalists and institutions to the growth of sports in Ondo State have been recognised, with 50 sports personalities and organisations honoured by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The award, tagged “Ondo 50 Sports Icons Award,” was held in Akure as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.
Among those honoured were former Governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye; former Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola; Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi; and former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Oluwateru.
Former athletes and coaches, including Seun Ogunkoya, Adura Olalehin, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Godfrey Oboabona, Joe Aribo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Lawrence Adegbehingbe, Chukwuma Akabueze, Dotun Omoniyi and Joshua Ogunbiyi, were also recognised.
Institutions and organisations honoured included OSRC Media Group, the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation (OSPPC), the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
Speaking at the ceremony, SWAN National President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, commended the Ondo State chapter for documenting and celebrating individuals who have contributed to the development of sports in the state over the past five decades.
Benjamin, who was represented by SWAN Vice-President, South-West, Mr Ayodeji Ogunsakin, described the Ondo chapter as one of the association’s vibrant chapters in the country.
“I urge the state chairman and his executives to continue the good work they are doing. We are very proud of Ondo State,” he said.
The Ondo State SWAN Chairman, Segun Giwa, said the awards were intended to preserve the history of sports in the state while celebrating individuals whose sacrifices and achievements had shaped its sporting heritage.
According to him, several of the state’s sporting heroes achieved success despite inadequate facilities and limited resources.
Giwa called on the government to provide functional sporting facilities, competent coaches, regular competitions, welfare packages and medical support for athletes, while also strengthening sports associations at the grassroots.
“As Ondo State celebrates 50 years of creation, SWAN felt strongly that the story of Ondo at 50 would be incomplete without properly documenting and celebrating the contribution of sports to the development and identity of the state,” he said.
He added that athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, journalists, families and other stakeholders had all played important roles in building the state’s sporting heritage.
Giwa also commended the state government for efforts to reposition the State Sports Council, particularly the appointment of a new board and plans to restructure the council and improve the welfare of athletes and coaches.
Representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the government would partner with SWAN to promote sporting activities across the state.
Adeniyan said the awards provided an opportunity to celebrate individuals whose contributions had helped advance the development of Ondo State.
The Chairman of the occasion and Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, congratulated the award recipients and commended SWAN for recognising their contributions.
Poroye, who was represented by OSOPADEC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Olujimi Kufo, said sports could serve as a tool for youth development, social integration, employment and economic empowerment.
He said OSOPADEC would focus on identifying and nurturing young talents, supporting grassroots sports and exploring the relationship between sports, tourism and the Blue Economy, particularly in riverine and coastal communities.
Poroye also urged the government, private sector, sports associations and the media to create an enabling environment for athletes, while calling on the awardees to mentor younger talents.
Former Governor Mimiko, represented by Mr Tunde Atere, commended SWAN for recognising his administration’s contribution to sports development.
He recalled that during Mimiko’s tenure, Sunshine Stars Football Club made consecutive appearances in continental competitions, while Sunshine Queens won the national Federation Cup.
Receiving his award, Ambassador Oluwateru thanked SWAN for the recognition, noting that it was the third time the association had honoured him.
He said the recognition would encourage him to continue contributing to sports development, particularly football, in Ondo State.
The awardees expressed appreciation to SWAN for recognising their contributions and sacrifices to the development of sports in the state.
