Kaduna State To Host SWAN’s Triennial Delegates Conference.

Magnus Aluma
Kaduna State is set to host the 2026 Triennial National Delegates Congress of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, which holds in the state this month.
The three-day programme promises to bring together the who is who in the sporting world as sports writers, invited stakeholders, and delegates from across Nigeria are expected to converge for the landmark event, billed to hold, from August 26-28, 2026.
Official statement from the Media Sub-Committee of SWAN also indicated that Kaduna is set to become the meeting point for Nigeria’s sports journalism community, with delegates expected to arrive from across the country ahead of the opening ceremony on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
The statement disclosed that the theme of the Congress: “Harnessing the Power of Sports and the Media for National Development, Youth Empowerment and Global Competitiveness,” seeks to provide a platform to reflect on the development of sports journalism, strengthen professional collaboration and chart a new course for the association.
Speaking ahead of the Congress, SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin, said the gathering goes beyond elections, stressing that it would be an opportunity to address the challenges before sports journalists, with a view to repositioning the association.
He said, “the SWAN Triennial National Delegates Congress is more than an electoral gathering. It is an opportunity for us as sports journalists to reflect, deliberate and renew our commitment to using sports and the media as instruments for national development. I urge all delegates to come prepared to contribute meaningfully to the process.”
Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of SWAN, Mallam Shehu Abdullahi, assured delegates and invited dignitaries of a warm reception, saying the host chapter has made the necessary preparations for a successful Congress.
According to him, “Kaduna is ready. We are delighted and proud to welcome the leadership of SWAN and delegates from the 36 states and the FCT, invited dignitaries and other stakeholders.
“We are committed to ensuring that every delegate feels at home and experiences the hospitality of Kaduna.”
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the Association, Ikenna Okonkwo, expressed confidence in the readiness of Kaduna State Chapter, to host the Congress.
He noted that preparations have continued, to ensure a seamless experience for delegates throughout the three-day event.
“We are fully prepared to receive our colleagues and guests. Our focus has been on ensuring that the Congress experience is seamless, from the arrival of delegates to the various activities lined up for the gathering.
We are confident that Kaduna will give the SWAN family a memorable experience,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the SWAN 2026 Triennial Delegates Congress Media Committee, Mr. Samuel Ahmadu, said the committee was determined to ensure extensive coverage of the Congress across print, television, radio and digital platforms.
“Our responsibility is not only to report what happens in Kaduna but also to tell the story of why this Congress matters. We are engaging media platforms across the country to ensure that the conversations, ideas and decisions emerging from the Congress reach audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
“We are fully prepared to deliver comprehensive coverage before, during and after the event,” he emphasised.
The Congress is expected to attract SWAN delegates, national and state chapter executives, government representatives, sports administrators, media stakeholders and other dignitaries.
It is also expected that the Congress would focus on issues of professional development, digital transformation, media ethics, journalists’ welfare, and the role of sports journalism in national development.