ABUJA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with the Distinguished Governor Award and inducted into the prestigious Nigeria Order of Sports by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), in recognition of his exceptional contributions to sports development in Delta State and across the country.
The award ceremony, held on Friday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, marked the grand finale of SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee celebration — commemorating 60 years of excellence in sports journalism and national development.
According to the association, Governor Oborevwori’s selection for the award followed his administration’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, grassroots development, and youth empowerment initiatives. SWAN particularly commended his administration’s support for events such as the National Youth Games, the ongoing reconstruction of the Warri Township Stadium, and the continuous maintenance and upgrade of key sporting facilities across Delta State.
The association also lauded the Governor for promoting school sports and talent development, introducing innovative athletes’ welfare programmes, and ensuring Delta’s consistent dominance at the National Sports Festival. It further praised the state’s contributions to Team Nigeria’s outstanding performances at regional and international competitions.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Fred Edoreh , who was also conferred with the SWAN Fellowship Award — expressed appreciation to the association for recognizing Delta State’s leadership and achievements in sports. He described the honour as a motivation for the Oborevwori administration to continue investing in youth and sports as vital tools for unity, empowerment, and social development.
Edoreh commended SWAN for its six decades of professionalism and its continued role in promoting excellence, integrity, and national cohesion through sports reporting.
Other distinguished awardees at the event included former Super Eagles coaches Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia, Olympic champions Daniel Igali, Chika Chukwumerije, and Blessing Oborodudu.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; Director-General, Bukola Olopade; former Minister of Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; Director-General of the National Institute for Sports and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Phillip Shaibu; former DG of the National Sports Commission and traditional ruler of Chanso, HRH Dr. Alhassan Yakmut; and the Ochi’Idoma, HRH Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John.
