SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin Arrives Banjul for 8th AIPS Africa Congress

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, arrived in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, on Thursday afternoon ahead of the 8th edition of the AIPS Africa Congress, which officially opens on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Mr. Benjamin departed the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at 9:20 a.m. on Thursday and landed at the Banjul International Airport approximately three hours later. He was accompanied by the SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo.

Upon arrival, the SWAN President was warmly received by officials of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the prestigious continental gathering. He was subsequently escorted to an exquisite suite at a top-floor penthouse within the renowned Coconut Residence Hotel, one of the designated accommodation facilities for delegates attending the high-level AIPS Africa engagements, which are scheduled to climax on February 9, 2026.

Later in the day, Mr. Benjamin was formally welcomed by representatives of the host nation and the leadership of the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG), led by its President. Also present was AIPS Africa President, Abdoulaye Babou Thiam, who joined delegates from across the continent in a show of camaraderie ahead of the congress.

The 8th AIPS Africa Congress is themed “Digital Media, AI and Ethical Sports Journalism in Africa” and is expected to feature extensive deliberations on the evolving landscape of sports journalism on the continent.

Speaking ahead of the congress, the SWAN President expressed optimism that the discussions would help shape a more progressive future for sports journalism in Africa, particularly through the adoption of modern technology and ethical standards.

“I’m optimistic that this year’s AIPS Congress Africa, aside from its historical significance, will broaden sporting journalism perspectives due to the high-level discussions already lined up,” Benjamin said.

“For us in Nigeria, we will continue to uphold top-notch media tenets and indeed set the pace in broadening sports journalism in Africa and beyond. For example, at the just-concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigerian sports journalists stood out with diverse and impactful content.”

He also acknowledged the support received from key stakeholders within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.

“The leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, as well as the Nigeria Football Federation, were instrumental in partnering with us. Sponsors and media owners also played vital roles in encouraging our members to do great work,” he added.

“From the AIPS Africa Congress, we hope to drive a fresh resolve for more exploits ahead.”

Beyond the technical discussions, the congress is also significant as it sets the tone for an election year within AIPS. Global elections are scheduled for April 2026, when AIPS leaders from around the world will converge in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Banjul congress is expected to further strengthen collaboration among African sports journalists while positioning the continent to effectively navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by digital media and artificial intelligence.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio