The national leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday conferred an Award of Excellence in Sports on the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
At a brief but colourful ceremony in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the Speaker was also admitted as an Associate Member of the Association, with all rights and privileges.
SWAN National President, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, said the honour was in recognition of Guwor’s commitment to the promotion of sports in Delta State and his cordial relationship with sports journalists in Nigeria.
He recalled the Association’s last convention held in Asaba, stressing that the Speaker’s support was instrumental to its success. Benjamin commended Guwor’s leadership style as Speaker of the 8th Assembly and pledged the Association’s unflinching support for the State Legislature.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Guwor, who also serves as the National Treasurer of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, expressed delight at the honour.
Describing himself as a lover of sports, the Speaker thanked the national leadership of SWAN for recognising his efforts, promising to deepen collaboration with sports writers and other stakeholders in advancing sports development.
He assured that under his leadership, the 8th Assembly would continue to strengthen its involvement in sporting activities, noting that the award would further spur him to ensure greater participation in sports in Delta State and beyond.
The Speaker was decorated as an Associate Member by the SWAN South-South Vice Chairman, Mr. Azuka Chiemeke, while the Award of Excellence plaque was presented by the National President, Comrade Benjamin.
Guwor was flanked at the event by members of the State Assembly, including Honourables Edafe Emakpor, Prince Emeka Osamuta, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Benson Obire, Matthew Omonade, and Anthony Alapala.