By Mansura Sadiq, Jalingo
To strengthen relationships with media outlets, government agencies, private organizations, and philanthropists, the leadership of the Taraba State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) recently paid a courtesy visit to Comrade David Nya, the Permanent Secretary and General Manager of the Taraba State Broadcasting Service (TSBS) in Jalingo.
The visit took place at the Permanent Secretary’s office in the state capital.
Although some executive committee officials were unable to attend due to official commitments, the association’s Chairman, Sulaiman Sani Yarima, and Welfare Officer, Mansura Sadiq Moyoyo, were accompanied by former assistant secretary of SWAN, Mr Simon Danladi Atta from NTA.
The immediate past SWAN National Deputy President, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Moyoyo (Dallatun Bantaje), who retired as a Director of News at TSBS, also honoured the invitation.
In his remarks, Comrade David Nya spoke about the long-standing partnership between TSBS and the Taraba SWAN chapter, especially considering his relationship with Moyoyo.
He described the occasion as a homecoming and expressed his continued commitment to SWAN, promising to provide free coverage for them and other Nuj-affiliated unions whenever needed.
Nya mentioned that, even if he leaves TSBS, he remains loyal to both the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and SWAN by extension, pointing out that he may consider rejoining or becoming independent after his exit from civil service.
The Permanent Secretary congratulated the new Exco and thanked them for the honour, assuring them that his doors are always open, adding, “We have a sports desk in our newsroom, whenever SWAN has activity, just reach out to me, it will be covered.”
He acknowledged Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Moyoyo’s significant contributions to SWAN’s growth both at the state and the national level and urged TSBS staff to follow Moyoyo’s example of dedication.
He described Moyoyo as a legend who has shown unwavering commitment to SWAN for over 30 years, stating, “I have never seen somebody who is committed to an association like Alhaji Sadiq.”
He added, “He is an elder brother to me. In the thirty years we have known each other, we have never disagreed. I have immense respect for him.”
Additionally, Nya expressed condolences to Moyoyo and the SWAN family regarding the recent passing of former chairman and zonal secretary Alhaji Kabiru Usman Jalingo, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to SWAN and praying for the eternal rest of his soul.
Earlier, SWAN’s state chairman, Sani Sulaiman, noted that they were at the Permanent Secretary’s office to express gratitude for his support and to congratulate him on his recent appointment by Governor Agbu Kefas.
According to him, the organisation has recorded tremendous achievements under his leadership and encouraged him to maintain the tempo, as well as commended TSBS Jalingo for its excellent service delivery of enlightening, educating, and entertaining the public.
Former SWAN National Deputy President Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Moyoyo began his remarks by offering condolences to the Permanent Secretary for the loss of his staff, Alhaji Kabiru Usman Jalingo who passed on recently.
He emphasized that he attended the meeting to formally appreciate the support he has received from the Permanent Secretary, in both financial and kind.
Moyoyo recalled how Nya supported him during his campaign for the presidency of SWAN by providing accommodation for stakeholders from the Northeast region during his endorsement meeting, as well as funding transportation for the elections in 2023, which were held in Omoku, Rivers State.
He concluded by saying, “Sir, I will never forget these gestures to the day of my last breath. I pray that the Almighty God rewards you, protects you, and continues to uplift you.”
The visit ended with hands shake and a group photograph.
However, it was gathered that the absence of the management staff of the organisation at the event was a result of the visitor’s arrival behind the scheduled time, which the Permanent Secretary mentioned earlier in his address, and also the Chairman apologised for their late coming.
