Lagos SWAN inaugurates seven-member electoral committee ahead of elections

The electoral body is chaired by Mozez Praiz, with McAnthony Anaelechukwu as secretary

The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has inaugurated a seven-member electoral committee to organise elections for a new executive committee.

The committee, known as the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO), was inaugurated on Friday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, during the chapter’s Extraordinary Congress.

Patrick Omorodion, chairman of the chapter’s caretaker committee, inaugurated the electoral body, which is chaired by Mozez Praiz, with McAnthony Anaelechukwu as secretary.

Other members are Abdul Rahmone Abulore, Soliu Adeyemo, Tega Onajaife, Jovita Ekeh and Suo Chapele.

Mr Omorodion said the committee’s establishment was part of the mandate given to the caretaker committee by the national body to strengthen the chapter’s administration and facilitate a credible election.

He said the process was intended to help restore stability and ensure the chapter had a substantive executive committee.

Speaking on behalf of the electoral committee, Mr Praiz pledged to carry out the assignment responsibly and help usher in a new executive committee capable of revitalising the chapter.

He cited activities such as the now-dormant SWAN Cup as examples of initiatives the chapter could revive to strengthen its engagement with members.

Enitan Obadina, SWAN’s national welfare officer, who represented the national executive at the congress, described the inauguration as a positive development for the Lagos chapter.

“As one of the country’s leading chapters, we are happy that Lagos is on the right path, and national SWAN, led by its president, Isaiah Benjamin, is providing support to ensure the process follows the constitution and is inclusive for members, to avoid the challenges of the past,” he said.

Veterans of the association who attended the ceremony included Mitchel Obi, Kunle Solaja, Felix Awogu, Godwin Enakhena, Emma Jemegah, Joe Apu, Pius Ayinor, Mike Mayaki and Smart Ebhodaghe.

The national body established the Lagos SWAN caretaker committee on 9 October with Mr Omorodion as chairman, Oni Afolabi as secretary and Anulika Menanya as a member.

The electoral committee is expected to oversee the process of electing a new executive for the Lagos chapter.