Nezianya, Odikpo, Balepo, Ndukuba, Chukwuleta, Others Set For Veterans Awards at SWAN 60th Anniversary

Tony Nezianya, a former Head of Sports at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Emeka Odikpo of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) have been nominated for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) veterans award.

Philip Balepo, Emmanuel Ndukuba and Chigozie Chukwuleta also made the list of nominees for the milestone award from Anambra State.

Their letters of nomination from the National Executive Committee nomination signed by Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary General of SWAN were received by Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of Anambra chapter.

The letter said the   senior colleagues were selected for special recognition of their outstanding contributions, professionalism, and enduring service to the growth and integrity of sports journalism in Nigeria.

“Over the years, your commitment, mentorship, and passion for the craft have inspired generations of journalists and enriched the nation’s sporting narrative.

“As a valued pioneer and pillar of our profession, this recognition is a token of appreciation for your sacrifices and legacy in promoting excellence, fairness, and credibility in sports reporting, ” it said.

Nezianya, a 3-time and current Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) cut his teeth in sports journalism in NAN back  in the early 80s.

He retired as a director and Head of Sports Desk in NAN, he was also a chairman in Lagos Chapter and has been providing support for SWAN in Anambra in the past eight years.

Odikpo,known as the golden voice on radio, headed the FRCN Sports for many years before retiring as a director after over three decades of sports journalism.

He is widely travelled and served as chairman of SWAN in Lagos State.

Balepo, a product of Nigerian Institute of Journalism has worked in many media organisations including Complete Sports, National Quest and Minaj Broadcast International, Obosi and Buzz FM Aba where he headed the Sports Department.

Famously known as “wordsmith and football encyclopedia” Balepo has travelled widely within and outside Nigeria on sports coverage and currently manages Little Drops Media as the CEO/MD.

Ndukuba, worked as sports journalist in the News Agency of Nigeria, he was publicity secretary of SWAN, Lagos Chapter before serving as Chairman of SWAN in Anambra.

Ndukuba is widely travelled and was a member of SWANECO at the Yola Convention and Delegate Congress.

He is still an active member of SWAN in Anambra State.

Chukwuleta, is the publisher of Newspathfinder, an online news site and one of the foremost female sports journalists with many years of practice.

She was the chairman of SWAN in Anambra, Assistant Secretary General and Vice President of the Southeast zone of the association.

Meanwhile, SWAN Anambra has congratulated the veterans for their well deserved nominations in a letter to the national Secretariat.

According to the letter signed by Anaso, on behalf of myself and members of SWAN, Anambra Chapter, I thank you for finding them worthy of the honour.

The  SWAN @60 Award and Appeal Fund Ceremony will hold between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31, 2025 at the VIP Lounge, Package A, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.