Yobe Governor donates ₦20 million to support SWAN initiatives.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has received the Distinguished Excellence Governor Award from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his contributions to sports development and youth empowerment in the state.

The award was presented during SWAN’s 60th anniversary celebration at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Malam Abdullahi Bego, received the honour on his behalf.

Presenting the award, former Edo State Deputy Governor and Director-General of the National Institute of Sports, Phillip Shaibu, commended Buni’s policies that promote youth engagement through sports.

Governor Buni also announced a ₦20 million donation to support SWAN’s anniversary activities and development projects — the largest single contribution at the event.

Bego described the governor as a passionate supporter of sports, citing the ongoing renovation of the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu as part of efforts to meet international standards and promote youth participation.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Hon. Mohammed Gidado Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports; Dr Abubakar Abdulrahman Ago, Executive Director, Yobe State Sports Council; Hon. Mohammed Alkali Accama, Chairman, Yobe Desert Stars; and Mr Joel Duku, Chairman of SWAN, Yobe State Chapter.

Other prominent Yobe awardees included the Emirs of Bade and Machina, His Royal Highnesses Abubakar Suleiman II and Alhaji Dr Bashir Bukar Albishir Machinama, alongside Dr Abdulrahman Ago, Yusuf Isa (former NE SWAN Vice President and current GM, Yobe State Television), Jibo Zakari, and Garba Aji Abo, a renowned sports philanthropist.