By Tonye Orabere
There was a stiff opposition that Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin can never be the president of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The reason was that most members perceived that Mr. Benjamin was someone who doesn’t have the capacity and charisma or have what it takes to manage a big and complex association like SWAN.
In fact, most members thought he would be a complete stooge.
After much contemplation, members gave him a chance, and he was finally voted as the president of the association precisely on 13th July 2023 at Chrisdera Hotel in Imoku, Rivers State.
Mr. Benjamin Isaiah’s first six months in office as president of SWAN recorded tremendous achievements as he made frantic efforts to resolve the crisis that enveloped almost all the chapters of SWAN in Nigeria.
It is on record that before he emerged as the president, most of the chapters were in deep crisis; the association was closed to nonexistent because there was no peace, love, or unity, and members were fighting each other.
Those crises were occasioned by election irregularities, intimidations, and manipulation in various chapters.
Mr. Benjamin Isaiah’s first term of three years has settled virtually all pending disagreement within members. Everybody is happy now.
There was a tacit demonstration of quality leadership without bias and sentiment. His leadership style is worthy of emulation.
The writer admires his leadership style that is characterized by integrity. His words are a bond. You can take his words to the bank.
Following his pragmatic and quality leadership, members unanimously passed a vote of confidence, and he was re-elected on the 28th of August 2026 at the triennial delegate conference held in Kaduna, as he was unopposed.
Honestly, Mr. Benjamin has a high sense of humility and a compassionate heart; he sees every member as his friend and colleague, not minding his position as president.
As a president he has never found wanting. He drastically improved members’ welfare as he shares every dividend equally at any time.
I urge him to continue with his good character and pilot the association to enviable heights and pray to God to give more wisdom and good health.
