The Kwara State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the state government to sustain the Kwara State Sports Festival as an annual or biennial event.

The association made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its c
Congress held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre, SWAN Secretariat, Ilorin.

The Congress commended the state government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for its investment in sports and the successful organisation of the eighth edition of the state sports festival.

It said sustaining the festival would provide opportunities for youth engagement, talent discovery and development, peaceful coexistence and unity among residents.

The Congress also commended the Kwara State Sports Commission for recognising the role of the media by including members of Kwara SWAN in the festival’s Media and Publicity Committee.

It noted that the festival received extensive media coverage, largely driven by the commitment and professionalism of SWAN members, while reaffirming the association’s readiness to collaborate with government and other stakeholders in promoting sports through responsible journalism and adequate publicity.

On the recent SWAN national elections in Kaduna, the congress congratulated the National President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, and other members of the National Executive Council on their re-election.

The Congress, however, expressed concern over the vacancy in the position of Vice President, North Central, following the absence of a contest for the position.

It urged the National Executive Council to fill the vacancy in accordance with the SWAN Constitution and give due consideration to qualified and eligible members of the Kwara State Chapter.

The association stressed that eligibility under the SWAN Statute should remain the primary consideration, noting that prospective nominees must meet the constitutional requirements before any appointment is made.

Meanwhile, the Congress has commenced preparations for the 2026 SWAN Week, with the Main Organising Committee expected to be constituted and announced soon.