Kaduna Gov’s aide bags SWAN's grand service award

By Bashir Hassan Abubakar

The Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Kaduna State Governor, Prof. Bello Ayuba, has lauded the leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for strengthening the association and sustaining the ideals of its founding fathers.

Prof. Ayuba made the remarks on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, during the formal presentation of the SWAN Grand Service Award.

He expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as a significant recognition he would always cherish. Prof. Ayuba also noted the importance of having the current SWAN National President from Kaduna State and pledged continued support for the growth of the association.

Presenting the award, SWAN National President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, said the association’s honours are strictly merit-based and reserved for individuals who have made tangible contributions to sports development or the advancement of SWAN.

He explained that Prof. Ayuba was selected in recognition of his sustained support for sports development and his long-standing service to the association, particularly at the grassroots and state levels.

A former SWAN Chairman in Bauchi State, Prof. Ayuba was earlier nominated for the SWAN @ 60 Awards held in Abuja last year but could not attend the ceremony. The association therefore opted to formally present the award in Kaduna.

Benjamin urged the PPS to continue supporting sports development, assuring that SWAN would continue to draw from his wealth of experience.