The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra State Chapter, and the Anambra State Football Association (AnSFA) have resolved their longstanding differences and pledged to work together to advance football and sports development in the state.
The resolution was reached during a crucial meeting held in Awka between the leadership of both organizations.
The SWAN delegation was led by its Chairman, Chimezie Anaso, while the Anambra FA team was headed by its Chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi.
The meeting marked the end of a disagreement that had strained relations between the two bodies for more than two years.
After over two hours of discussions, both parties agreed to put the dispute behind them and embrace a collaborative relationship aimed at promoting football and sports journalism in Anambra State.
Among those present at the meeting were Ikem Asika, Vice President of SWAN, South-East Zone; Uche Ndeke, Secretary of SWAN Anambra; Marvelous Ezenwa, Treasurer of SWAN Anambra; and Dashu Chucks, an aide to the AnSFA Chairman.
As part of the reconciliation process, the parties also agreed to withdraw all cases and petitions filed against each other, including those reported to the Directorate of State Services (DSS).
Speaking on the development, SWAN Chairman, Chimezie Anaso described the truce as a significant milestone for sports development in Anambra State.
Anaso acknowledged that while both parties acted based on their convictions during the period of disagreement, the strained relationship had resulted in setbacks for sports development.
“This is a new dawn for football and sports in Anambra. It is important to note that it happened organically. There was no mediator or facilitator; it happened in the fullness of time, and we thank God for it,” Anaso said.
He also expressed appreciation to members of SWAN in Anambra and the national leadership of the association for their support and interventions throughout the period of the dispute.
Also speaking, SWAN South-East Vice President, Ikem Asika said he was pleased that the misunderstanding had been resolved.
“Sports and the media are inseparable partners. The misunderstanding was unnecessary, so I am happy that it is now behind us. Football remains a major sport that deserves maximum attention and support,” he said.
Asika described Iloenyosi as a longtime associate and emphasized that there was never any personal animosity between the parties.
On his part, AnSFA Chairman Chikelue Iloenyosi recalled the cordial relationships he had enjoyed with members of SWAN before the disagreement and expressed satisfaction that the faceoff had been resolved.
“I hold nothing against anybody. Everyone involved is a personal friend of mine, so there is no reason we should not work together as a team. I am happy that we are back together. Let bygones be bygones,” the former Super Eagles player
said.
Iloenyosi further assured that SWAN would play an integral role in the activities and programmes of the football association going forward.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the reconciliation is expected to strengthen cooperation between football administrators and sports journalists in Anambra State, creating a more supportive environment for the growth of sports and football development.
