The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, has led a Nigerian delegation to Banjul, The Gambia, for the 8th edition of the AIPS Africa Congress, which officially opens on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Mr. Benjamin arrived in Banjul on Thursday afternoon, having departed the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 9:20 a.m. He was accompanied by the SWAN Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, and touched down at the Banjul International Airport approximately three hours later.
On arrival, the SWAN President was received by members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the congress and later conveyed to the Coconut Residence Hotel, where he is being accommodated in an exclusive penthouse suite. The congress is expected to attract sports journalism leaders and delegates from across the African continent, with activities scheduled to run until February 9, 2026.
Mr. Benjamin was subsequently formally welcomed by the leadership of the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG), led by its President, alongside the President of AIPS Africa, Mr. Abdoulaye Babou Thiam. Delegates from various African countries were also on ground to fraternise ahead of the commencement of deliberations.
Speaking ahead of the congress, themed “Digital Media, AI and Ethical Sports Journalism in Africa,” the SWAN President expressed optimism that the discussions would help reposition sports journalism on the continent through the adoption of modern technologies and ethical best practices.
He noted that the congress would further broaden professional perspectives and strengthen the role of sports journalists in Africa, adding that Nigerian sports journalists have continued to set commendable standards on the continental stage. Mr. Benjamin cited the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigerian sports journalists distinguished themselves through diverse and high-quality media content.
According to him, the achievements were made possible through the support of key stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission under its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, as well as the Nigeria Football Federation, sponsors and media owners.
Mr. Benjamin added that outcomes of the AIPS Africa Congress are expected to help chart a fresh course for future engagements and professional growth, especially as the association prepares for an election year. The elections are scheduled to hold in April 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland, during the AIPS global congress.
The AIPS Africa Congress remains one of the continent’s most important platforms for advancing sports journalism, policy direction and continental collaboration.