By Grace Abe
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has nominated the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mrs Hulayat Omidiran, as its first National Matron.
SWAN President, Isaiah Benjamin announced the nomination when he and other members of the National Executive Committee visited Omidiran in Abuja on Tuesday.
Benjamin said that Omidiran would be formally decorated during SWAN Triennial Delegate Conference, scheduled for August in Kaduna.
“Sports journalists from across the 36 states and the Federal capital Territory will gather in Kaduna to elect new national officers and chart a new course for the future of sports journalism in Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the nomination was in recognition of Omidiran contributions to sports development, public service and national integration.
“We are confident your acceptance will strengthen collaboration between SWAN and the FCC, while advancing our shared vision of a united, inclusive and equitable Nigeria through the transformative power of sports,” he added.
He congratulated the FCC boss for her “transformative leadership” in the commission, adding that her tenure has been marked by institutional reforms, transparency, stakeholder engagement and renewed commitment to equity and fairness.
He also applauded Omidiran’s outstanding contributions to sports administration, particularly her role in advancing women’s sports and inspiring future generations of leaders.
“Since assuming office, Nigerians have witnessed your unwavering commitment to repositioning the commission through institutional reforms and enhanced transparency.
“Your leadership has inspired confidence that the FCC is becoming more responsive, innovative and nationally relevant,” he said.
He said that Omidiran has consistently demonstrated that sports is not merely about competition but a powerful instrument for leadership, youth empowerment, social inclusion and national development.
He noted that her journey continues to inspire generations of sports administrators, journalists and young Nigerians.
Responding, Omidiran accepted the nomination, describing the honour as a “rare privilege” and pledged her unwavering support for the association.
“I accepted immediately because it is a great honour and I will not be a silent matron,” she assured SWAN.
She assured the committee that the FCC would stand with SWAN and support its programmes in every way possible.
Omidiran, a former executive board member of the Nigeria Football Federation and former member of FIFA Women’s Football Committee, where she served for six years, noted that the impact of sports extends far beyond competition.
“Sports is more than entertainment, it keeps communities together, strengthens families and if properly harnessed, can contribute more than 50 per cent of a nation’s GDP.
“Nigeria is not there yet, but this administration is genuinely committed to unlocking the immense benefits of a vibrant sporting ecosystem,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the sector as a catalyst for national development.
She described sports as one of Nigeria’s “greatest instruments” for national unity and economic growth. (NAN)
Edited by Philip Yatai