By Akila Matawal
Sitting Chairman of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Emmanuel Akpan has been reelected to serve for another three years by members of the association.
The election, which held on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, was supervised by the National President of SWAN, Honour Sirawo, who was represented by the South-south Vice President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong.
After the exercise, Emmanuel Akpan was returned unopposed as Chairman, Anthony Effiong as Vice Chairman, Theophilus Udo as Secretary, James Akpan as Assistant Secretary and Patrick Titus as Treasurer.
Reacting on behalf of the new executive, Chairman, Emmanuel Akpan thanked members of the association for finding him and his executive worthy of reelection, while promising that they would do more to make Akwa Ibom SWAN great.
“First of all, I thank God for another opportunity to serve as Chairman of SWAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
“I am grateful to members for reelecting me for another term, unopposed. I promise that I and my exco will do more than we did during our first term. Welfare for our members will remain a priority.”
Akpan also applauded the Electoral Committee (ELECO) led by former South-south Vice President of SWAN, Justice Udousoro for conducting a peaceful and transparent election.
Emmanuel Akpan’s first term was characterized by unity among members, welfare for members, good working relationship with sports associations in the state, synergy and partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, led by Comrade Amos Etuk, and improved reportage of sporting activities in the state.
In their separate goodwill messages, former SWAN Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Professor Uwem Akpan, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, South-south Vice President of SWAN and representative of the National President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong, former SWAN Chairman, Uwem Ekoh, board member of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Lawrence Iquaibom, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the Federated Chapel of the NUJ, Nsibiet John all congratulated Emmanuel Akpan and his executive on their reelection, and urged them to do more in their second term which runs till 2026.
The SWAN executive then took their oath of office and were issued certificates of return to bring an end to a peaceful exercise which ended with a love feast.
