FCC Boss Omidiran Becomes First National Matron of SWAN, Pledges Support for Sports Writers
Oru Leonard
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has been invested as the pioneer National Matron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), with a pledge to support the growth, welfare and professionalism of sports journalists across the country.
Omidiran was formally decorated with the title at a colourful investiture ceremony held on Thursday at Zeecool Hotels, Kaduna, bringing together the SWAN national leadership, sports journalists, delegates from state chapters and other distinguished guests.
The investiture marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the FCC chairman and the sports-writing community, with Omidiran describing the honour as both a privilege and a responsibility.
Speaking after her decoration, she disclosed that she accepted the nomination immediately it was presented to her and personally assured the SWAN National President that she would attend the ceremony. “The nomination was presented to me at the office a while ago, and I accepted immediately. I promised the president that I would be here for this investiture. That’s why we left Abuja very early in the morning to be here on time,” she said.
Omidiran said her relationship with sports and sports journalism dates back almost three decades, recalling that her passion for sports writing began around the time she established Omidiran Babes about 29 years ago.
“My journey in sports is almost 30 years now. My love for sports writing dated back to when I formed Omidiran Babes about 29 years ago. And since then, I have been dealing with sports writers in Nigeria,” she said.
She noted that her longstanding relationship with SWAN had earned her several recognitions at both state and national levels, including an award presented to her during the association’s 60th anniversary celebration.
According to her, the latest honour further strengthens her commitment to the sports community and places an added responsibility on her to contribute meaningfully to the development of sports journalism.
“I will serve the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria to the best of my capability, and I will do everything within my capacity to support the association and contribute to the growth and development of sports journalism in Nigeria,” Omidiran assured.
The FCC chairman pledged to leverage her experience, office and relationships to advance the interests of SWAN and contribute to initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of sports writers.
She also expressed appreciation to the leadership of SWAN for finding her worthy of the historic honour.
The FCC delegation at the event included Federal Commissioners Hon. Eludayo Eluyemi, representing Osun State; Hon. Dr Gloria Nkechi Nnoli, representing Anambra State; Hon. Peter Eze, representing Enugu State; and Hon. Babagida Adamu Gwana, representing Bauchi State.
The ceremony was attended by the SWAN National President, former national presidents, deputy presidents and other members of the association’s national leadership, alongside delegates from various state chapters and other distinguished guests.
Omidiran’s emergence as SWAN’s first National Matron is expected to further strengthen collaboration between the association and stakeholders in the sports sector, while supporting efforts to promote professionalism, welfare and sustainable development of sports journalism in Nigeria.
