By Solomon OKPO | November 4, 2025
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports in Akwa Ibom State, Elder Paul Bassey, has been conferred with the Distinguished Service Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his exceptional contribution to sports journalism and development across Nigeria.
The award, which formed part of activities marking SWAN’s 60th Anniversary Celebration in Abuja, was formally presented to the Commissioner on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by the Chairman of SWAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, at the Commissioner’s office in Uyo.
Speaking during the presentation, Elder Bassey expressed heartfelt appreciation to Comrade Akpan for receiving the award on his behalf, noting that he was unavoidably absent from the Abuja event due to pressing official engagements.
He dedicated the honour to Governor Umo Eno, whom he described as “a sports-loving leader who has continued to give me the opportunity to serve and grow sports in Akwa Ibom State.”
“It is a great honour to have been recognised at the National SWAN 60th Anniversary. To be acknowledged at the national level is gratifying, but to be celebrated by your own professional community makes it even more special. I treasure this award dearly,”
Elder Bassey said.
While commending the national leadership of SWAN for the recognition, the Commissioner assured that he would officially communicate his receipt of the award to the association’s headquarters.
Elder Bassey also applauded Comrade Akpan for his leadership and for fostering unity and professionalism among sports journalists in Akwa Ibom State, describing SWAN as a vital partner in sports development.
Earlier, Comrade Akpan said the presentation was to officially deliver the award received on behalf of the Commissioner, stressing that both Elder Bassey and Governor Umo Eno had already been informed of the honour.
“On behalf of the National leadership of SWAN, I present this Distinguished Service Award to the Honourable Commissioner for his immense contributions to sports development both at the state and national levels,”
Akpan declared.
In a related development, former SWAN Chairman and South-South Vice President, Comrade Justice Udousoro, also presented his Fellow of National SWAN Award to Elder Bassey, dedicating it to Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering support of sports initiatives and to Elder Bassey for his continuous promotion of sports journalism and grassroots sports growth in the state.
The ceremony underscored Elder Bassey’s enduring legacy as both a sports administrator and a journalist whose passion for the game and commitment to sports development continue to inspire the next generation of sports professionals.
