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Kano SWAN Honours Sports Personalities At 2025 Annual Calendar Launch

 

By Muzammil Dalha Yola 

The Kano State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) held its 11th annual calendar launch and awards ceremony on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the NUJ Press Centre Secretariat in Kano. The event drew a large crowd of sports enthusiasts, philanthropists, and dignitaries, all gathered to celebrate the growth of sports in the state and recognize those who have contributed significantly to its advancement.

The event featured the unveiling of the 2025 SWAN calendar and the presentation of awards to individuals across various sporting disciplines. Messages of support and commendation poured in from prominent figures in Nigerian sports. Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, and Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, both praised Kano SWAN's dedication to sports development. Their messages, delivered by Sharif Rabi’u Inuwa Ahlan, Chairman of the Kano State Football Association, also included an appeal for SWAN members to continue their efforts in promoting sports in the region.

Hon. Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, Kano State Commissioner for Sports, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the valuable role SWAN plays in the state's sporting landscape. Represented by Ibrahim Umar Fagge, Ag. Chairman Sports Commission, the Commissioner pledged continued collaboration between the ministry and SWAN.

Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, former President of the Nigeria Football Association and Chairman of the occasion, lauded Kano SWAN's contributions to Nigerian sports. Speaking through Professor Abdulrashid Garba, Vice Chancellor of Sheikh Khalifa Isyaku Rabi’u University, Galadima also commended SWAN's support for sports development within the university.


Royal Father of the day, Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa OON, Makaman Bichi, reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing development of sports in Kano State. Renowned scholar and Chairman Council of Ulama, Malam Ibrahim Khalil, emphasized the crucial role of journalism, particularly in sports reporting, highlighting the power and importance of media in disseminating information. He stressed the growing significance of sports as a business.

Zahradeen Sale, Chairman of the Kano State chapter of SWAN, explained that the event aimed to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to sports development in the state. He assured attendees of SWAN's continued commitment to this cause. The Chairman of SWAN Kano also commended Pop Cola for their support and partnership with SWAN Kano, as well as their full participation in SWAN activities.

A particularly touching moment occurred when Auta Mamman, a renowned traditional boxer (Dambe), received his award. His mother's emotional reaction, tears of joy streaming down her face, underscored the significance of the recognition for both the athlete and his family.

Award Winners:

SWAN recognized excellence across a range of categories, including:

SWAN Club of the Year 2024: Kano Lions FC (Tofa Premier League), 

Young Talent FC (Ahlan League One)

Best Kano Local Football Council of the 2024: Dawakin Kudu

SWAN Best Local Council Chairman of the Year 2024: Ahmad Ali (KMC Chairman)

SWAN Kano Best Player of the Year 2024/2025: Bashir Muhammad Garba (FC Sheshe)

Best Referee of the Year 2024/2025: Bashir Salisu (FIFA)

SWAN Best Tournament Director of the Year 2024: Dala Hard Court Tennis- Malam Yusuf Datti

 SWAN Kano Club of the Year 2024: Barau FC

Best Radio Sports Presenter of the Year 2024: Ahmad Hamisu Gwale Premier Radio 

Best Traditional Sports (Dambe) Player of the Year 2024/2025: Autan Mamman

Award of Excellence: Hon. Mustapha Rabi'u Kwankwaso (Commissioner for Youths/Sports), Ahmed Zubairu (President Ahzuba FC Kano), Alh. Mustapha Haladu Mai Chitta (President Ambassadors FC Kano), Ibrahim Shittu (Canji) Chairman Barau FC Kano, Nasiru Salihu (U-20 Flying Eagles, Elkanemi Warriors)



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