By; Mike Odeh James
Kaduna
As part of activities marking the 60th anniversary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Supernatural Dominion Bible Ministry International, Gonin Gora, Kaduna, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, hosted a special church service that brought together the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Reverend Joseph John Hayab, and members of SWAN.
Earlier in his sermon, Brother Philip Adejumo of the host church underscored the importance of faith and perseverance, charging believers to emulate Christ in all their dealings.
The service was organized by Kaduna SWAN Vice Chairman, Okpani Mike Odeh James, who led members in delivering a vote of thanks.
Reverend Hayab, in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the event, urged governments at all levels in Nigeria to invest more in sports, citing its unifying power and immense economic potential.
He said that greater investment in sports could help reduce insecurity and foster national unity.
“If you see the enthusiasm and commitment youth put into sports, there’s nothing wrong in using sports to catch them. I have seen inter-church, inter-faith, and inter-community competitions. What this country needs today is unity, and if sports can give us unity, let’s hold it,” Hayab said.
He emphasized that sports go beyond entertainment, describing it as a major economic driver.
“Nations of the world invest millions and trillions of dollars into sports. When you see the level of infrastructure at global stadiums, you’ll realize sports is not only about unity—it’s an economic booster. It creates jobs and strengthens nations,” he explained.
The CAN Chairman, who also serves as the Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), charged Nigerians to nurture young talents and invest in sports as a tool for national development.
“Jamaica is celebrated because of sports. Kenya and Ethiopia are known worldwide for their athletics. Nigeria has all it takes to be a top sporting nation if we encourage and invest properly,” he said.
Reverend Hayab further noted that sports could help curb banditry and other social vices, calling on sports writers to promote unity through their work.
“The money used to fight banditry will be a thing of the past if we use sports to engage our youth. We encourage sports writers to write positive stories on how sports can unite people of different faiths, tribes, and communities,” he added.
He concluded by commending SWAN for its milestone celebration, urging the association to continue using its platform to promote peace and unity.
Also speaking, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, represented by his Special Assistant on Media, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, said the church service was part of a nationwide interfaith celebration.
“On Friday, Juma’at prayers were held across Nigeria, while Christians held thanksgiving services in all 36 states and the FCT on Sunday,” he said.
He added that the SWAN @60 celebrations would continue in Abuja, where members from across the country will converge for lectures, awards, and the launch of the SWAN House project.
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