SWAN To Honour Uba Sani Over Kaduna Sports Development

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to confer its “Icon of Sports in Nigeria” award on Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, citing his administration’s contributions to sports development and promotion in the state.

SWAN said the recognition reflects the administration’s reported investment in sporting infrastructure, grassroots development, support for athletes and increased hosting of sporting events in Kaduna.

The association’s National President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, through Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo, said the award was also intended to recognise interventions that create opportunities for athletes, coaches and other sports stakeholders.

According to Benjamin, sustained government investment is critical to developing sports infrastructure, discovering grassroots talent and creating an environment where athletes can develop their careers.

“The recognition reflects the importance of sustained investment and commitment to sports development at the sub-national level,” Benjamin said.

He added that the recognition could encourage stronger partnerships among government, athletes, sports administrators, the private sector and the media.

Among the developments cited by SWAN is the reconstruction of the historic Ahmadu Bello Stadium and the upgrading of the Uba Sani Township Stadium.

In February 2026, the National Sports Commission and Kaduna State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, following presidential approval for the facility’s ownership to be transferred to the state for immediate rehabilitation.

SWAN also highlighted Kaduna’s increased hosting of sporting activities as part of the developments informing the recognition.

In September 2026, the state hosted the Super Sand Eagles’ 23-day training camp ahead of a series of international engagements, including friendly matches against Senegal and an Africa Cup of Nations beach soccer qualifying fixture against Ghana scheduled for October.

The training camp, which runs from September 21 to October 14, has provided another opportunity for Kaduna to utilise its sporting facilities while hosting national-team players and officials.

The association also cited the administration’s support for grassroots athletes and sporting activities, saying such interventions could provide opportunities for young people to discover and develop sporting talent.

Benjamin said SWAN’s broader objective was to promote constructive collaboration among government, sports administrators, athletes, investors and the media to advance Nigerian sports.

Kaduna has a long-standing sporting heritage and has produced athletes, footballers and other sports personalities who have represented Nigeria at national and international levels.

SWAN said the emerging sports infrastructure and activities could provide a foundation for stronger collaboration among athletes, coaches, sports associations, schools, clubs and private investors.

The award is expected to bring together government officials, sports administrators, athletes, sports journalists and other stakeholders to highlight the role of sports in youth development, social inclusion and national integration.