The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, has arrived in Banjul, Gambia, to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 8th African Congress of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS Africa).
In a statement by Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General, SWAN ,the high-level congress, themed “Digital Media, AI And Ethical Sports Journalism In Africa,” is scheduled to run from February 6 to 9, 2026.
Mr. Benjamin, accompanied by the SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, was formally welcomed upon arrival by the leadership of the Sports Journalists Association of Gambia (SJAG) and the President of AIPS Africa, Mr. Abdoulaye Babou Thiam.
Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, the SWAN President expressed optimism that the continental gathering would set a new agenda for the practice and business of sports journalism in Africa.
“I'm optimistic that this year's AIPS Africa Congress, aside from its historical significance, will broaden sporting journalism perspective due to the high-level discussions already lined up,” Benjamin stated.
He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to upholding professional standards and setting the pace on the continent. “For us in Nigeria, we will continue to uphold top-notch media tenets, and indeed set the pace in broadening Sports Journalism in Africa and beyond.”
Citing recent exemplary performance, President Benjamin noted the outstanding coverage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco by a large contingent of Nigerian sports journalists. He acknowledged the supportive roles played by the National Sports Commission, under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Nigeria Football Federation, as well as media owners and sponsors.
“From the AIPS Africa Congress, we hope to drive fresh resolve for more exploits ahead,” he added.
The congress is expected to feature critical deliberations on the impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence on sports media, alongside the enduring principles of ethical journalism. The outcomes are also anticipated to influence the agenda for the global AIPS Congress scheduled for April 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland, where new international leadership will be elected.
The Nigerian delegation's participation underscores SWAN’s active role in shaping the future of sports journalism across Africa.
