Nigerian Tribune sport reporter Niyi Alebiosu was appointed on Wednesday as the new Chairman of the Sport Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter.
Alebiosu became the chairperson of the association unopposed at the election held at the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Chapter.
Mr Adewale Tijani of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) emerged as the General Secretary, while Mr Nurudeen Alimi of the Nigeria Tribune also defeated Mr Oyeyemi Oyejide of Odu’a News to emerge as Assistant General Secretary.
Alimi had emerged after polling 15 votes as against the 5 votes polled by Oyejide, while Mr Laolu Fawole of Radio Nigeria, who was contesting for the post of vice-chairman, was disqualified for not being accredited as a bonafide member of SWAN in the state.
In his acceptance speech, Alebiosu described his victory as a new beginning for Oyo SWAN, saying the association would never remain the same.
He promised that his administration would ensure the rebranding of the association to give it a new image.
Alebiosu, who said that there was no winner or loser in the election, promised to ensure an all-inclusive and transparent leadership.
He listed, among his programmes, the establishment of a SWAN estate, a better welfare package for members, a robust relationship with corporate organisations, likewise regular seminars and training of members.
Mr Aloy Chukwuemeka, a National Officer, who was in Ibadan alongside Mr Muideen Adeleke, a National Vice-President, SWAN, South-West, described the election as very peaceful.
Chukwuemeka said that the result of the election was a reflection of what the SWAN members in the state wanted, urging the newly elected executive to run an all-inclusive leadership.
He urged the new executives to embrace a strong membership drive to improve the vibrancy SWAN Oyo was known for.
Also, Mr Gbenga Opadotun, the NUJ Chairman, Oyo Council, appreciated the members and the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO) for the peaceful conduct and orderliness displayed during the election.
Opadotun urged the new executive to run an all-inclusive leadership, saying that was the best for the progress of the association.
He promised that the NUJ in the state would continue to support the new executives to succeed and achieve its welfare programmes.
