Ondo SWAN Honours Tunji-Ojo with Golden Sports Icon Award
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has received the Golden Sports Icon Award from the Ondo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), in recognition of his contributions to sports development.
Tunji-Ojo received the award in Abuja, where he commended the association’s leadership for recognising outstanding sports personalities and ambassadors who have contributed to the development of sports in Ondo State and Nigeria.
The minister said SWAN’s efforts to document and celebrate sporting achievements would help preserve the legacies of individuals whose performances had brought joy and pride to the state and the country.
He recalled his youthful days when athletes such as Adura Olalehin and Seun Ogunkoya were prominent figures in sports, expressing hope that Ondo State would once again witness similar sporting achievements.
Tunji-Ojo also urged SWAN to sustain its advocacy for policies and initiatives that would promote sports development in Ondo State and across the country.
Earlier, the chairman of SWAN in Ondo State, Segun Giwa, commended the minister for supporting grassroots sports development, particularly through the organisation of sports festivals across the state’s five zones.
Giwa called on Tunji-Ojo to support increased investment in the sports sector, describing it as an important avenue for youth development and empowerment.
The Ondo State chapter of SWAN organised the Ondo @50 Awards on 23 September to honour athletes, sports administrators, coaches, sponsors, journalists, organisations and other stakeholders who have made significant contributions to sports development in the state and Nigeria over the years.
The awards and gala night took place at the NMA House in Alagbaka, Akure. Tunji-Ojo was unable to attend the ceremony because of official engagements.
