Tolu Oguntimehin has emerged as the new Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja Chapter, after defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four at the chapter’s elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
In his acceptance speech, Oguntimehin unveiled an ambitious plan to build a ₦200 million bank account for SWAN FCT, alongside commitments to improve members’ welfare, strengthen professional development and create more opportunities for sports journalists to cover sporting events.
Key Highlights
- Tolu Oguntimehin wins SWAN FCT chairmanship with 88 votes.
- Raphael Ekpang secures four votes in the election.
- New chairman targets a ₦200 million bank account for the association.
- Members’ welfare and professional development top his administration’s agenda.
- Plans underway for regular training programmes and professional retreats.
- Radio presenters to receive specialised training to improve broadcasting standards.
- Oguntimehin promises more opportunities for members to travel for sporting assignments.
- Ronke Ojo is assigned the vacant Financial Secretary position.
Oguntimehin Pledges Welfare, Training for Members
Oguntimehin said his administration would focus on rebuilding the association, improving members’ welfare, strengthening professional capacity and restoring the vibrancy of SWAN FCT.
He assured members that their welfare would remain a priority, promising to work collectively with stakeholders to ensure that everyone had a sense of belonging within the association.
“We need to make the association great again, and I promise you, with your support, that we will go the extra mile to make the association enabling for every member. The welfare of every member will be paramount,” he said.
The new chairman also announced plans to introduce regular professional training programmes and retreats to equip members with the skills and knowledge required to improve sports journalism in the Federal Capital Territory.
He specifically identified the radio department as an area requiring urgent attention, promising specialised training for radio presenters to restore its vibrancy and improve broadcasting standards.
On members’ access to sporting assignments, Oguntimehin said his administration would explore opportunities for journalists who had not previously travelled to cover sporting events to gain such experiences.
How SWAN FCT Plans to Reach ₦200 Million
He explained that the proposed ₦200 million financial target would require strategic partnerships and support beyond the traditional sports sector.
According to him, his administration would engage the National Sports Commission (NSC), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), private sector organisations and government agencies to attract investments and institutional support for sports development in the FCT.
“We need to go outside the box. We are the landlords in the FCT, and we need government processes and agencies to identify with sports in the FCT,” he said.
Details of SWAN FCT Election
The election was held at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, following the expiration of the previous leadership’s tenure and the dissolution of the caretaker committee.
The chairmanship was the only contested position, as candidates for other elective offices reportedly emerged unopposed.
The exercise was conducted under the guidelines released by the Lucky Isawode-led SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO), following its inauguration by the FCT SWAN Congress.
According to the guidelines, the election was organised in line with Articles 12 and 13 of the SWAN Statute, which stipulate the relevant qualifications for candidates, including qualifications in Journalism or Mass Communication and possession of a valid SWAN identity card.
The electoral timetable provided for the sale of nomination forms from October 19 to 30, 2026, while claims and objections ran from November 2 to 10. Campaigns ended on November 11, ahead of the November 12 election.
Ronke Ojo Named Financial Secretary
Ronke Ojo had earlier withdrawn from the contest for the position of Financial Secretary, leaving the position vacant ahead of the election.
However, immediately after delivering his acceptance speech, Oguntimehin assigned Ojo to occupy the vacant Financial Secretary position.
In his closing remarks, the new chairman expressed appreciation to the SWAN national leadership, including the national president and secretary, as well as members who participated in the congress.
With his emergence, Oguntimehin is expected to lead an administration focused on members’ welfare, professional development, financial growth, stronger institutional partnerships and expanded opportunities for sports journalists across the Federal Capital Territory.
His proposed ₦200 million financial target is also expected to be a major pillar of his administration as he seeks to reposition SWAN FCT and strengthen its capacity to serve members.
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