NBBF Presidency: SWAN Throws Weight Behind Igoche Mark, Says He Deserves to Lead Federation

NBBF Presidency: SWAN Throws Weight Behind Igoche Mark, Says He Deserves to Lead Federation

By Goodness Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, has commended the Initiator of the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, for his contributions to basketball development in Nigeria, saying his track record makes him deserving of the opportunity to lead the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF).

Benjamin stated this on Friday when he led members of SWAN’s National Executive Committee on a courtesy visit to the basketball promoter in Abuja.

The SWAN President acknowledged the investments and initiatives undertaken by Mark to promote basketball development, describing his contributions to the sport as significant.

“We want to appreciate the good work you have done in basketball. As partners in progress, we are here to show our commitment and, as watchdogs of the society, we report activities as they unfold in every sporting sector.

“We have watched from afar everything you have been doing in your capacity, and we are happy with what you are doing.

“We are also aware that you are aspiring for the NBBF Presidency. However, for your efforts and contributions to basketball, you deserve it. We don’t do endorsements, but we tell people those who are fit for leadership,” Benjamin stated.

He urged basketball stakeholders to place the development of the sport above personal interests and sentiments by supporting leaders with proven records of contribution to basketball.

Responding, Mark thanked the SWAN national leadership for the visit and commended the association for its role in the development of sports in Nigeria.

He urged sports journalists to remain objective in their reportage and provide constructive criticism where necessary to promote meaningful development.

“I thank you all for this courtesy visit, and I must say, SWAN plays a vital role in sports development in Nigeria because you are the mouthpiece of sports through your coverage, and I am very happy with what SWAN is doing.

“I want to urge you to always report the truth and tell us what we are not doing right so that we can have meaningful development,” Mark stated.

Mark also called for stronger collaboration between SWAN and the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, assuring the association that it would be carried along in the initiative’s forthcoming programmes.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of SWAN, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, commended the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, noting that the initiative has contributed to the growth and development of basketball in Nigeria.

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