The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, Michael Azeez Ogunsiji, has been re-elected unopposed for a second term, promising to strengthen grassroots sports development while calling for improved sports facilities and greater government support for athletes.
Ogunsiji secured another three-year term during the 12th Ogun SWAN Triennial Delegates’ Congress held in Abeokuta on Saturday.
Describing his unopposed re-election as a renewed mandate, the chairman pledged to consolidate on the achievements of his first tenure through an inclusive, transparent and member focused administration.
“This mandate belongs to every member of our association. It is a renewed call to consolidate on our achievements, address our shortcomings and take Ogun SWAN to greater heights,” he said.
He commended members of the association for their confidence in his leadership and praised the electoral committee for conducting what he described as a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
Ogunsiji also acknowledged the contributions of former chairmen, saying they laid a solid foundation for the growth of the association.
He passed a vote of confidence on the national leadership of SWAN under its President, Isaiah Benjamin, stating that the current National Executive Committee had restored the association’s relevance across the country.
Speaking on sports development in Ogun State, Ogunsiji applauded the state government for investing in sports infrastructure, particularly at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, but expressed concern over poor maintenance and underutilisation of some facilities.
He lamented the deteriorating condition of the stadium’s swimming pool, the absence of a functional practice pitch and the use of parts of the sports complex as a car park and driving practice ground.
According to him, the stadium should be dedicated solely to sporting activities, while its night economy should be revived to improve security, generate revenue and enhance its vibrancy.
The SWAN chairman also regretted that the momentum generated by the 2025 National Sports Festival had not translated into sustained grassroots sports development and athlete discovery across the state.
As part of initiatives for his second term, Ogunsiji announced plans to introduce a “SWAN Forum” that would provide governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections with an opportunity to present their sports development programmes.
He urged stronger collaboration among the Ogun State Government, sports agencies, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to promote sports development.
Ogunsiji praised the Chairman of Remo Stars Football Club, Kunle Soname, for his investment in football, describing him as a model for sports development in Nigeria and Africa.
He also challenged football administrators in the state to intensify talent discovery, noting that Ogun, despite producing football legends such as Muda Lawal, Segun Odegbami, Tajudeen Disu and Ike Shorunmu, had struggled to produce national team players in recent years.
The chairman appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to provide an 18-seater bus for the association, noting that no administration had fulfilled such a request in over five decades.
He also decried inadequate sponsorship for programmes including the SWAN Security Cup, SWAN Media Cup and SWAN Week, urging private organisations and other stakeholders to support the association.
Representing the SWAN national leadership, the South-West Vice President, Ayodeji Ogunsakin, commended the Ogun chapter for conducting a peaceful election and applauded the state government for providing a befitting secretariat for the association.
Other officials elected at the congress include Taiwo Fabajo as Vice Chairman, Olusegun Folarin as Secretary, Seun Odunlami as Assistant Secretary, Michael Adesanya as Treasurer, Bayo Adegboyega as Welfare Officer and Hassan Yusuf Olatunji as Financial Secretary.
