The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, on Thursday afternoon arrived Banjul, the capital of Gambia for the 8th edition of AIPS which opens on Friday February 6, 2026.
President Benjamin who departed Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos by 9.20am on Thursday arrived Banjul International Airport wing, three hours after, alongside SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo.
On arrival at Banjul, the SWAN President was promptly received, before he was led to an Exquisite Suite at top Penthouse, located inside a famous Coconut Residence Hotel, by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the high-level AIPS Continenetal engagements expected to climax on February 9, 2026.
He was formally welcomed later on by the host nation and National Leadership of Sports Journalists Association of Gambia (SJAG) led by its President with AIPS Africa President Abdoulaye Babou Thiam on ground to fraternise with Delegates from all parts of the continent.
Ahead of the Congress with Theme – Digital Media, AI And Ethical Sports Journalism In Africa, the SWAN President expressed optimism that deliberations will further set the tone for improved sporting journalism practice, anchored on modern technological applications.
He said, “I’m optimistic that this year’s AIPS Congress Africa, aside from its historical significance, will broaden sporting journalism perspective due to high level discussions already lined up.
“For us in Nigeria, we will continue to uphold the top notch media tenets, and indeed set the pace in broadening Sports Journalism in Africa and beyond. For example, in the just concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Sports Journalists in their numbers from Nigeria stood out with all shapes and manner of contents. The leadership of the National Sports Commission led by the Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade as well as the Nigeria Football Federation were equally instrumental in partnering with us, just as Sponsors and Media owners played vital roles in encouraging our members to do great stuff.
“From the AIPS Africa Congress, we hope to drive fresh resolve for more exploits ahead.”
The continental deliberations is also expected to set the tone for an election year in April, 2026, when the AIPS global leaders converge in Lausanne, Switzerland.
