By Ekpor Temple
What a superb experience that will be etched in the mind of many individuals in the sporting fraternity who came to witness the long anticipated 2018 Rivers Swan Award ceremony that took centre stage on the eve of Friday, 29th March, 2018 at Landmark Hotels in D-line Port Harcourt.
In line with the saying “Appreciation is a principal motivator” The award ceremony put together by the Soni Uboh lead SWAN Executive was intended to show appreciation to Associate members and Corporate Organizations who over the years has contributed immeasurably towards the development and promotion of sports within and outside the shores of Rivers state. As it is believed, that such gesture will not only unite the family, but will also spur assiduousness on the part of members as well enhance productivity in sports reportage.
Considering the fact that such glamorous event in the state was last hosted two decades ago, it’s not startling why the sophomore edition of the Award was graced by eminent personalities who share same affinity, values and beliefs, with the sporting kith and kin across the length and breadth of the state.
The event blazed on after succinct speech by Chief Adokiye Ameisimaka Chairman of the occasion, who was ably represented on the night and Mr. Soni Uboh, the Acting chairman, SWAN Rivers State Chapter.
Afterward, THE VETERAN CATEGORY of the Awards was given to some high-flying individuals who had perform excellently hitherto to this era. The recipients were honoured for their effort in branding SWAN to what it is today. Highly notable are: Celestine Ogolo ( Former chairman of Swan in Rivers State), Cyril Dum-White (Former Ex-officio, member of Swan), Olelekan Ige, ( Former Secretary of Swan in River state), Soni Uboh ( Ag Chairman , SWAN Rivers), Dr. Victor Inengisa Somiari, (Founding member, Swan Rivers) etc.
Instantaneously, the merit Award was also dished out to twenty one (21) distinguished, and reputable Icons who have invested, supported , and shouldered the burden of sports in the state such as: His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as the (Best Sports friendly Governor, 2018), Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka (Owolo) , Bro. Felix Obuah, ( Founder/Sponsor, Go-round FC) Hon. Boma Iyaye ( Commissioner for Sports, Rivers State) etc, as well as the state Parastatals like Rivers Angels FC, Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team, Rivers Cycling Association etc.
The Peak of the event was the emergence of young generation Swan members as winners in legendary categories of the EXCELLENCE AWARD that had high profile nominees. It’s arguable and beyond belief to many, how young lads like Deinma Abaku, Eyo Kelvin, Sunday Braimah, Innocent Emmanuel, and Ukpeseraye Ese, go past Doyens in the sporting industry to poll majority vote and emerged as frontrunners in yesterday’s award.
The full list of the Awardees who won the SWAN Award of Excellence is as follows:
💧Sports Writer of the year, 2018 (print) – Tonye Orabere
💧Sports Presenter of the year, 2018 (Radio) - Deinma Abaku ( Wave FM)
💧Sports Presenter of the year, 2018 (T.V) -Sopirinye Jaja (RSTV)
💧Sports Editor of the year, 2018 – Maxi Gabrielle
💧Sports Blogger of the year, 2018 - Eyo Kelvin (Wave FM)
💧Sports Analyst of the year, 2018 (Broadcast Media) – Carl Orakwe ( Unianimously voted)
💧Grass Root Sports Writer of the year, 2018 - Francis Edookor
💧Sports Photographer of the year, 2018 -
Sunday Braimah
💧Rivers Athlete of the year ( Male) - Innocent Emmanuel
💧Rivers Athlete of the year ( Female) - Ukpeseraye Ese.
Shortly after the Award presentation, the audience were thrilled by oratory Goodwill messages, Comedy bang by MC Nutrient, blend of musical display by the DJ and a sumptuous dinner to quench our hunger.
Though an epoch event indeed, critical observation shows that much is needed to be done in other to elevate the standard of an award ceremony of such magnitude.
The total arrangement at the event center was not really adorable, the congested nature of the hall used, the reception of our guest, the graphic projection, the meal served , and other logistics was adjudged to be faulty and below average on % rating as evidently seen by press men.
Consequently, we crave the indulgence of SWAN Leadership to ensure that the 2019 edition of the ceremony will be well packaged, publicize, well plan etc. And this can only be achieve when the room is open for the selection of innovative minds who can design and execute project of this height, where there is an available resources to their reach.
While the memory of the 2018 Award night is still fresh, we here wish to specially CONGRATULATES the recipients and wish all the sporting Knight the best in their quest to make the Nigeria populace happy in all their various endeavors.
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