The National Leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has named Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State as the Distinguished Governor of the Year, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The award will be formally presented to the governor on Friday, October 31, during SWAN’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary.

Edo State SWAN Chairman, Comrade Kehinde Osagiede, announced this on Tuesday in Benin during a courtesy visit with his executive team to the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua.

Osagiede explained that the visit aimed to introduce the Edo SWAN Executive, which assumed office about a year ago, to the commissioner and to strengthen collaboration between the association and the state government.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo was carefully selected for this honour because of his remarkable contributions to sports development in Nigeria within his first year in office,” Osagiede said.
“We also came to congratulate you, Mr. Commissioner, on your well-deserved appointment, and to inform you about the forthcoming award to the governor.”

He further assured that Edo SWAN would continue to collaborate with the state government to promote sports development across Edo State.

In response, Commissioner Prince Kassim Afegbua thanked SWAN for the recognition and their support for sports promotion in Edo State. He noted that the governor was currently on official duty in Ekiti State and promised to brief him about the award.

Afegbua also urged sports journalists to provide balanced and positive coverage of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Edo Queens, and other government-initiated sporting programs.

“The Edo State Government will continue to partner with SWAN to advance sports development in the state,” he assured.