It was a moment of pride, gratitude, and renewed commitment to sports development as the Chairman of the Ofugara Give Back Initiative, Mr Silver Ofugara, was decorated with the prestigious Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Diamond Jubilee National Award on Thursday in Abuja.
The ceremony, held at the VIP Pavilion of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, formed part of activities marking SWAN’s 60th anniversary celebration, and brought together dignitaries, media professionals, athletes, and sports enthusiasts from across the country.
Mr Ofugara’s recognition underscores his outstanding contributions to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment, particularly through his foundation, which has consistently nurtured young talents and revived community football culture in Delta State and beyond.
After receiving the honour, Ofugara expressed deep appreciation to SWAN for deeming him worthy of the national recognition, stressing that the award serves as a motivation for greater service.
He stated that the honour means a lot not just to him but to everyone who believes in the power of sports to transform lives.
While applauding SWAN for its commitment to promoting sporting excellence in Nigeria, he noted that the association continues to stand as the conscience of sports reportage and development, proving that efforts at the grassroots level are valued and acknowledged.
Ofugara also used the occasion to urge government and private sector stakeholders to increase investments in youth sports development and infrastructure.
According to him, sports remain a vital tool for unity, capacity building, and economic empowerment, and Nigeria must channel more resources into training programmes, facilities, and mentorship platforms if it intends to secure a productive future for its young athletes.
In an emotional moment, he dedicated the award to his family for their unwavering support.
He further dedicated the honour to his Boss, Peter Dunia (popularly known as Peter Black), and to his close friend, High Chief Engineer Kestin Pondi, acknowledging their guidance, belief, and encouragement throughout his journey.
SWAN officials congratulated the honouree, applauding his long-standing commitment to grassroots sports development, philanthropy, and community youth engagement.
They described him as a shining example of selfless contribution to the growth of sports in Nigeria.
The recognition marks another significant milestone for the Ofugara Give Back Initiative, whose programmes, including the Ofugara Peace and Unity Cup, have continued to promote social cohesion, talent discovery, and sporting excellence across communities.
As the applause settled, one message echoed clearly: Silver Ofugara remains a testament to the transformative power of passion, vision, and dedication in sports, reinforcing the belief that community-driven initiatives can build champions, inspire hope, and strengthen the nation.
