Big names like Shehu Dikko, Bukola Olopade, Sunday Dare, and Kola Daniel bagged awards at SWAN’s 60th Anniversary Distinguished Service Awards. Kola Daniel took home the “Outstanding Support to SWAN” award for his contributions to sports media, while his boss, Bukola Olopade, was celebrated for transforming Nigeria’s sports administration. Other honourees included Silas Agara, Phillip Shaibu, and Sunday Dare, recognized for advancing Nigeria’s sports sector. The event was held at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola National Stadium on October 31, 2025.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Sunday Dare, and the Special Assistant (Media) to the Director General, Mr. Kola Adeyanju, popularly known as Kola Daniel, were among the distinguished personalities honoured at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) 60th Anniversary Distinguished Service Awards (SDSA) held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The event, marking six decades of SWAN’s contribution to sports journalism and development, celebrated notable Nigerians who have played key roles in advancing the nation’s sports sector.
Mr. Kola Daniel was honoured with the “Outstanding Support to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria” award in recognition of his unwavering partnership and contribution to sports media development. He shared the spotlight with his boss, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, who was also celebrated for his visionary leadership and efforts in transforming Nigeria’s sports administration.
Others honoured at the ceremony included Hon. Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Presidential Spokesman; former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Silas Agara; Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; and Hon. Phillip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, among several others.
Speaking to sports journalists after receiving his award, Mr. Adeyanju expressed gratitude to God and his principal for the opportunity to serve.
In his words: “I want to thank Almighty God for bringing me thus far, and my boss, Honourable Bukola Olopade, for giving me the opportunity to work under him and contribute my quota to sports development in Nigeria.”
“This award will spur me to do more and continue to do my best.”
The former radio and television presenter also extended appreciation to the leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), friends, and colleagues, acknowledging their support throughout his professional journey.
“I want to thank my professional colleagues and the leadership and members of SWAN, including the sports fraternity as a whole,” Kola said.
The SWAN Distinguished Service Awards (SDSA) are part of activities marking the 60th Anniversary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, designed to honour individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to sports and sports journalism in Nigeria.
