A former SWAN president just detailed how he saved the association from total collapse. Fan Ndubuoke recounted the turbulent crisis before his 1992 to 1996 term, describing an organization riddled with internal suspicion and loss of credibility. He explained that genuine sports journalists had left SWAN, which had been infiltrated by non-professionals, leading to splinter groups and damaging allegations under the previous leadership of Prince Lat Ogumade. Ndubuoke emerged from a transparent election after a caretaker committee period, inheriting what he called a battered association.
His administration's first move was wide consultation and reconciliation with sports editors and media executives. A key moment was restoring the confidence of their Grand Patron, the late MKO Abiola, whose subsequent donation of funds and a new vehicle signaled renewed trust. Core reforms included mandatory NUJ membership cards for full members, reclassifying non-practitioners as associates, and purging chapters of unqualified individuals. He also highlighted introducing a national SWAN identity card and restoring international affiliations. Ndubuoke lamented recent backsliding and urged a return to the group's founding professional ideals.
His administration's first move was wide consultation and reconciliation with sports editors and media executives. A key moment was restoring the confidence of their Grand Patron, the late MKO Abiola, whose subsequent donation of funds and a new vehicle signaled renewed trust. Core reforms included mandatory NUJ membership cards for full members, reclassifying non-practitioners as associates, and purging chapters of unqualified individuals. He also highlighted introducing a national SWAN identity card and restoring international affiliations. Ndubuoke lamented recent backsliding and urged a return to the group's founding professional ideals.
