The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, has recognized 50 prominent sports personalities, administrators, media entities, and institutions for their historic contributions to sports in the state. The awards were presented at the “Ondo 50 Sports Icons Award” ceremony held in Akure as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ondo State’s creation.
The list of recipients featured key political and administrative figures, including former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former Deputy Governor Ambassador Oluwateru, former NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, former ODSFA Chairman Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola, and Ondo State FA Chairman Otunba Dele Ajayi. Celebrated athletes and coaches such as Odunayo Adekuoroye, Godfrey Oboabona, Joe Aribo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Seun Ogunkoya, Adura Olalehin, Lawrence Adegbehingbe, Chukwuma Akabueze, Dotun Omoniyi, and Joshua Ogunbiyi were also celebrated. Corporate and academic institutions honored included OSRC Media Group, the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation (OSPPC), the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).
Speaking on the initiative, Ondo SWAN Chairman Segun Giwa emphasized that documenting the state’s 50-year journey required celebrating the figures who built its sporting heritage, often achieving success despite limited resources. Giwa urged the state government to strengthen grassroots sports associations and invest in modern facilities, structured coaching, and comprehensive welfare packages for athletes. He also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration for taking steps to restructure the State Sports Council.
Representing Governor Aiyedatiwa at the event, Chief Press Secretary Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan reaffirmed the government’s readiness to partner with SWAN to advance sports across Ondo State. National SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin, represented by South-West Vice-President Ayodeji Ogunsakin, praised the Ondo chapter as one of the most vibrant in the country and commended its dedication to preserving sports history.
Highlighting broader economic opportunities, the Chairman of the occasion and OSOPADEC Executive Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye (represented by Dr. Olujimi Kufo), noted that sports can serve as a catalyst for youth employment and economic empowerment. Poroye revealed plans by OSOPADEC to focus on discovering coastal talent and linking sports to tourism and the Blue Economy in riverine areas.
Award recipients, including representatives for former Governor Mimiko and Ambassador Oluwateru, expressed gratitude to SWAN for the honors and pledged their continued commitment to developing sports in the state.
