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Amid tight security, the Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday elected new officers to take over the administration of the Chapter from the Caretaker Executive Committee led by Aaron Akerejola.
The election, which was supervised by the National SWAN Vice President Southwest, Mr Ajayi Obe, who represented President, Sir/Dr Honour Shirawo was held at the Lagos SWAN Secretariat inside the National Stadium in Surulere Lagos, southwest Nigeria.
The security operatives (DSS and Police) who were on the ground said they came under instructions to ensure that the election was conducted in a strict peaceful environment.
All four posts contested were elected unopposed by the members of Lagos SWAN who were mobilised for the poll, as the election was conducted in compliance with the statute of the SWAN.
The new executives that will oversee the affairs of Lagos SWAN for the next three years are Ms. Oladunni Olatutu who is the Chairman/Chairperson, Secretary is Mr Omotunde Bello, Treasurer, Ms. Ilesanmi Olukemi and Welfare Officer, Mr Segun Daramola.
The National President who was represented by the Vice President of Southwest, Mr Ajayi Obe told the new Chairperson that the statute of SWAN empowers her to conscript at her discretion to bring on board members to fill the three remaining posts, Vice Chairman, Assistant Secretary and Financial Secretary. According to the President, the Chairperson has the power to nominate two ex-officio members who will work with the executive during her tenure.
“This is a new dawn in the history of the association in the southwest region of the country, as we are having the first-ever chairperson to head the association.
“Let me on behalf of Mr President and other National Executive Council of SWAN congratulate the Caretaker Executive Committee that piloted the Lagos affairs to this level, the new executive of Lagos SWAN and the members of SWANECO for putting in their best to see that we have a successful election and a new executive committee inaugurated.”
He, however, urged Ms Oladunni and her team to remain focused, and steadfast to bring back the lost glory of the vibrant Lagos SWAN.
“Let me assure you that you have the backing of the National Executive Council of SWAN. The task is now on your shoulder to ensure that Lagos reclaims its lost glory,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, the new Chairperson, Oladunni gave God the glory for ensuring the poll’s success, adding that despite lots of misrepresentations, the Caretaker Executive Committee was able to deliver on the assignment given to it by the National Executive Council of SWAN.
“Today begins another phase that will see the welfare of all Lagos SWAN members being given premium welfare attention,” Oladunni said.
Quoting from the late Bob Marley, Oladunni said: “The people who are trying to make this world worse aren’t taking a day off, how can I”.
In a very short and inspiring speech, the new Lagos SWAN chairperson said: “The chaos which emanated from some members in time past has caused different misinformation and misrepresentation which I believe will end soonest and all shall be well in due time.
“As we all know that SWAN is an entity bigger than each and every one of us, but the most important thing is the legacy you and I are able to lay down which comes with nothing but the great sacrifice of hard work, focus, dedication, courage and honesty.
“This moment will really go down in history as SWAN Lagos Chapter begins another phase of career progress for members, I mean an era of positive advancement for Lagos SWAN and absolute upliftment for members’ welfare.
“It is obvious we cannot remain stagnant if we do not trigger out the positive being in us that will influence, good vision, honesty, equity so as to get a better SWAN and greater SWAN of tomorrow.
“I believe Lagos SWAN will be great again, as the success story has already begun right from the time the national body inaugurated the caretaker executive committee led by Aaron Akerejola
“In this new dispensation, members’ welfare shall be one of the utmost focus, smoother integration with relevant institutions and special recognition for LAGOS SWAN shall also be a major focus as this will enhance character building, community safety and community building among us as professionals.
“The time has come for us as SWAN members to imbibe a better spirit if integration among ourselves and forsake every form of segregation because the spirit of sportsmanship is a divine Unifier a purely integrating element.
“I appeal to all aggrieved members to embrace peace and let’s come to a round table to move Lagos SWAN to a greater height than even before.”
