Hembadoon Orsar emerges first female Benue SWAN chairman

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has elected new executive officers to steer its affairs for the next three years with Hembadoon Orsar as Chairman.

Orsar is the first female journalist to occupy the position of SWAN chairman in Benue since the inception of the association in the state.

Orsar, who is the Correspondent of the Leadership Newspapers polled 31 votes to defeat his only opponent, Mr Tamenor Kwaghzer, the Publisher of News Echo, who polled 20 votes.

Daily Sun reports that the third contestant for the position of the chairman, Mr Abraham Ochife, stepped down a few minutes before voting time.

Other positions were unopposed and included the Vice Chairman, Mr Mathias Udende, Secretary, Mr Terfa Alaghga, Treasurer, Regina Girgi and Financial Secretary, Mr Patrick Omora.

Earlier, the Chairman, Electoral Committee, Mr Terkula Atom, appreciated members for their commitment and the cooperation they received from them while holding sway for the past four months.

In her acceptance speech, Orsar appreciated her colleagues for trusting her and the new officials with their mandate, promising not to betray the confidence that they reposed in them.

She further pledged to champion the promotion of various sporting activities in the state including disability sports as well as prioritize capacity building for members to enhance professional skills.

She also promised to ensure that the association has a befitting office accommodation to create a conducive atmosphere for her members to operate.

She was presented with a certificate by the National Secretary, Chief Ikenna Okonkwo.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, Dr. Philip Nongu, has welcomed Hembadoon Orsar’s election as SWAN Chairman, Benue State Chapter, praising her journalistic expertise and experience.

In a statement signed by Uja Emmanuel, Lobi Stars’ Media Head, Nongu noted the timely nature of Orsar’s election, coinciding with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s substantial investments in sports development, particularly Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi and the upgrading of Aper Aku Stadium Makurdi to International standard.

He encouraged her to rally SWAN members to showcase the Governor’s accomplishments in sports and report the activities of Lobi Stars Football Club.