Timinipre Of NTA Emerges First Female SWAN Chairman In Bayelsa

By Rhoda Godwin in Yenagoa*

Mrs. Timinipre Ohia of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) became the first female Chairman of the Bayelsa chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) after a closely contested election.
Mrs. Ohia won 11 out of 21 votes in the long-awaited election, with her only challenger, Pereolotu Amgbare of The Light Newspaper, receiving 10 votes. George Ameli of Niger Delta Television (NDTV), who was running for Chairman, withdrew from the race shortly before the election.
Preye Yabrifa of Glory FM 97.1 was unanimously elected Vice Chairman, while Patrick Ndubuisi of Raypower/AIT and Ekankumo Amgbare of Break Newspaper were elected Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
The new executives were sworn in immediately following the elections by Mr. China Acheru, the National Officer delegated to oversee the election, who charged them with running an inclusive administration and ensuring member unity.
The Sports Development Commissioner, represented by Mr. Nicolas Digha, Head of Department, Human Resource Management, Ministry of Sports, praised the SWAN members for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process. Elder Chris Odi and Jacobson Park also urged the new executives to collaborate with all stakeholders and colleagues, as well as rally around any dissatisfied members.
In her acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Mrs. Timinipre Ohia, expressed her gratitude to all SWAN members for entrusting her with their votes and assured that she will need their advice and place SWAN first before any other interest.