From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has released the names of sports icons and contributors shortlisted for recognition at its first-ever Personality Lecture in honour of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The event, slated for Thursday, December 18, 2025, will take place at the Taiwo Awoniyi Media Sports Centre, within the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, beginning at 10 a.m.
With the theme “6 Years of Purposeful Leadership: Rebuilding Institutions, Empowering Athletes, and Positioning Kwara for Sports Excellence,” the lecture aims to highlight the governor’s strides in repositioning sports through infrastructure upgrades and youth-centred programmes.
SWAN, through a statement signed by its Assistant Secretary, Sodiq Adebara, described the honourees as individuals whose commitment has significantly shaped sports growth in the state. Among them is sports philanthropist and entrepreneur, Araba Sanni, who has been widely commended for his private-sector support for budding athletes.
Related News
“Our nominees reflect the collective spirit that has kept Kwara’s sports ecosystem vibrant. Their dedication to athlete development and institutional strengthening stood out clearly during the selection process,” Adebara said.
Others shortlisted cut across athletics, coaching, sports administration and media, with each nominee recognised for a proven track record of service and contributions to community-based sports advancement.
The keynote address will be delivered by veteran broadcaster and former NTA General Manager, Alhaji Hameed Adio, who is expected to provide an assessment of Governor AbdulRazaq’s six-year impact on sports and offer insight on sustaining the state’s rising profile in the sector.
Chairman of Kwara SWAN, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail, said the lecture was designed to foster closer synergy between sports journalists and major players driving the state’s development agenda.
According to him, the association is honouring the governor for his “consistent investment in sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, talent development programmes and reforms that have repositioned Kwara as a fast-growing sports destination.”
Ismail added: “This platform allows us to recognise individuals and institutions that have made meaningful contributions to sports. It also opens space for dialogue on how to consolidate ongoing gains.”
The gathering will feature interactive sessions and an awards segment celebrating excellence across various categories, with top government officials, sports administrators, athletes and media professionals expected to attend.
