Abuja, Nigeria – The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the upcoming Diamond Jubilee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is actively seeking high-profile partnerships, paying a courtesy visit to the management of the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Abuja on Monday, October 6, 2025.
The visit was part of the LOC’s concerted effort to secure mutual collaboration with reputable corporate organizations ahead of the SWAN@60 anniversary celebration, scheduled to hold between October 29 and October 31.
The meeting, held at the hotel's headquarters, aimed to forge a partnership that would elevate the quality of the celebratory event and project the hotel as a key supporter of the Nigerian sports and media industries.
Seeking Mutually Beneficial Collaboration
Ikenna Okonkwo, the Secretary-General of SWAN, emphasized that the association is seeking a mutually beneficial relationship that extends beyond the anniversary.
“SWAN is here to build a relationship that will go beyond the anniversary, we have been a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem for 60 years,” Okonkwo was quoted as saying in a statement released Tuesday by the Media and Publicity Committee of the SWAN@60 anniversary.
“We believe that collaborating with a premium brand like Wells Carlton will strengthen our shared commitment to promoting excellence,” he added.
Celebrating the Sports-Hospitality Bond
Similarly, Ben Ogbemudia, the Chairman of the SWAN@60 LOC, highlighted the historical and complementary connection between sports and the hospitality sector in shaping the nation's identity.
“Hospitality and sports have always complemented each other in shaping our national narrative,” Ogbemudia stated. “This partnership is an opportunity to celebrate that bond as we showcase the role of the media in sports development over the last six decades.”
Wells Carlton Commends SWAN
In response, Oluwatosin Malomo, the Managing Director of Wells Carlton Hotel, commended SWAN for its consistent contributions to the growth of sports in Nigeria.
Malomo expressed the hotel’s willingness to partner with the association, provided the proposal aligns with their vision of supporting national initiatives and fostering a positive impact.
“Let SWAN formally communicate its partnership proposal, and we will be glad to review and respond appropriately,” Malomo said, setting the stage for the next phase of the potential collaboration.
The SWAN@60 LOC entourage also included Anietie Patrick, Sylvanus Ofekun, Ndubueze Chidoka, and Arinzechi Chukwunonso. The anniversary's Media and Publicity Committee, which released the statement, is chaired by Chimezie Anaso and has Hembadoon Rosario as its Secretary.
The SWAN@60 anniversary is expected to be a major event recognizing six decades of sports journalism in Nigeria.
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