Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has been inducted into the Nigeria Order of Sports with the Distinguished Governor Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
The honour recognised his remarkable commitment to sports development in Delta State and his broader contributions to the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
The investiture, which took place on Friday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, formed part of the grand finale of SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, commemorating six decades of excellence in sports journalism across the country.
According to SWAN, Governor Oborevwori was selected for the award in acknowledgment of his administration’s massive investment in sports infrastructure, youth engagement, and continuous support for sports journalism.
The association cited his government’s efforts in hosting the National Youth Games, the ongoing reconstruction of the Warri Township Stadium, and the rehabilitation and maintenance of key sporting facilities throughout Delta State.
SWAN further commended the governor’s initiatives promoting school and grassroots sports, as well as Delta State’s consistent dominance at the National Sports Festival.
The association also highlighted the state’s athlete welfare programmes and its substantial contribution to Team Nigeria’s success at international competitions.
Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Mr. Fred Edoreh, Senior Special Assistant on Media, expressed gratitude to SWAN for recognizing Delta State’s achievements in sports and other sectors.
Edoreh, who was also conferred with the SWAN Fellowship Award, praised the association for its dedication to promoting national development through sports journalism and advocacy.
The event drew a distinguished gathering of sports administrators, former athletes, and national figures. Among those honoured were former Super Eagles coaches Augustine Eguavoen and Samson Siasia, as well as Olympic medalists Daniel Igali, Chika Chukwumerije, and Blessing Oborodudu.
Dignitaries present included the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; the Commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade; former Minister of Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; Director-General of the National Institute for Sports and former Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu; former NSC Director-General and traditional ruler of Chanso, HRH Dr. Alhassan Yakmut; and the Ochi’Idoma, HRH Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo John.
The ceremony underscored SWAN’s enduring commitment to honouring individuals and institutions whose efforts continue to shape Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
