By Yusuf A. Yusuf
The Sardaunan Makaman Bichi, Alhaji Sharu Rabi’u Inuwa Ahlan, who served as the chief launcher of the 2026 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Almanac, Kano State Chapter, and Annual Awards ceremony, officially launched the almanac with a donation exceeding ₦2.5 million.
Members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Board purchased copies of the almanac for the Kano State Football Association, the 44 Local Football Councils in Kano State, the Gusau Ahlan Cup, and the Dan Adala workers, as part of efforts to support football development initiatives.
The Chairman of the Kano State Football Association reiterated his commitment to supporting members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano Chapter, who wish to further their education. He also assured that the association would continue to collaborate closely with SWAN to promote and improve sports development across the state.
The SWAN Kano Chapter Annual Almanac, initiated by former SWAN Kano Chairman Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, has been solely sponsored and funded for printing every year without interruption by the royal father of the day, Makaman Bichi, Dr. Isyaku Umar Tofa (OON), who is also a SWAN Kano Patron.
Dr. Isyaku Umar Tofa reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sports development, emphasizing the vital role of sports in boosting tourism, generating employment opportunities, and fostering peace and unity.
The renowned business icon remains the sole sponsor of the Tofa Football Premier League, demonstrating his consistent dedication to grassroots sports development and community empowerment.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Abubakar Nuhu Danburan, appreciated the efforts of the association in promoting sports and called for the sustenance of peace and unity, especially within sports circles where a majority of youths actively participate in various sporting activities.
The SWAN Kano State Chapter later presented awards to distinguished sports personalities for their exceptional contributions to sports development across the state, as well as to individuals who played significant roles in positioning Kano State as a sports tourism destination in the country.
Award Recipients:
Dr. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi – SWAN Kano Award of Excellence
Surajo Yusuf (Rising Stars FC) – SWAN Kano Best Player of the Year 2025, Rising Stars FC – SWAN Kano Best Ahlan League One Club of the Year 2025, Golden Bullet FC – SWAN Kano Best Tofa Premier Club of the Year 2025, Mukhtar Ahmad Zico – SWAN Kano Award of Excellence
Other recipients are Alhassan Ali Dawakin Tofa – SWAN Kano Best Chairman, Football Local Council of the Year 2025, Doguwa Football Local Council – SWAN Kano Best Football Local Council of the Year 2025
Jamilu Hamisu – SWAN Kano Best Referee of the Year 2025, Aminu Halilu Tudun Wada (Freedom Radio) – SWAN Kano Best Radio Sports Presenter of the Year 2025
Gambo Musa (FIBA) – SWAN Kano Best Basketball Referee of the Year 2025, Ibrahim Hamza Daneji (Malam Inna) – SWAN Kano Best Coach of the Year 2025 Abbahuraira Dahiru – SWAN Kano Award of Excellence
Other are Muhammad Bashir Danliti – SWAN Kano Best Traditional Sports (Dambe) Organizer of the Year 2025
Sha’aban Aliyu – SWAN Kano Best Traditional Dambe Player of the Year 2025
Hidda Gaddar Ahmad – SWAN Kano Best Female Administrator/Coach of the Year 2025
Jamilu Uba Adamu (NDLEA) – SWAN Kano Award of Excellence
Malam Mu’awiyya Musa Gabari – SWAN Kano Award of Excellence
Habibu Abdu Fagge – SWAN Kano Award of Excellence
Notable dignitaries at the event included Dr. Najib Sabo Kurawa, President of Clever Warriors FC; Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi Garo, CEO of Nationwide League One; Dr. Murtala Musa, Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission; Alhaji Sabo Muhammad Eka, Chairman of the Jigawa State Football Association; Comrade Labbasi Jaoji; Barrister Gwadabe Minta, Chairman of the Kano State Coaches Council; the Chairman of the Kano State Referees Football Council; Hajiya Jamila Musa, Chairperson of JMA Academy; Alhaji Salisu Rabiu, former Chairman of SWAN Kano; Bashir Abba, Chairman of Kashiga; Engr. Salisu Magaji; and Abdul Tijjani of Elmer Academy, among others.
