The national leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has named Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Distinguished Governor of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.
The award will be formally presented to the governor on Friday, October 31, during SWAN’s 60th Diamond Jubilee anniversary.
The Chairman of SWAN in Edo State, Comrade Kehinde Osagiede, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin when he led members of his executive on a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua.
Osagiede said the visit was aimed at officially introducing the commissioner to the Edo SWAN Executive, who assumed office about a year ago, and strengthening collaboration between the association and the state government.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo was handpicked for this honor due to his notable contributions to sports development in Nigeria during his first year in office.
“We also come to congratulate you, Mr. Commissioner, on your well-deserved appointment, and to inform you, as spokesperson of the state government, about the upcoming award to the governor,” he said.
He further assured that the Edo SWAN chapter would continue to collaborate with the state government to promote sports development across the state.
In his response, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, thanked SWAN for the recognition given to Governor Okpebholo and for its support in the promotion of sports in Edo State.
Afegbua, who revealed that the governor was currently on official duty in Ekiti State, promised to inform him of the honour.
He urged sports journalists in the state to provide balanced and positive coverage of the activities of the Bendel Insurance Football Club, Edo Queens and other sports programs initiated by the state government.
“The Edo State Government will continue to partner with SWAN to promote sports development in the state,” the commissioner assured.
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