SWAN Chairman Say, Award not for Sale … MD/CEO Kaduna Electric Bags SWAN Award of Excellence

Zainab Tanimu, Kaduna, NIGERIA

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Kaduna Electric, Engr. Garba Haruna has bagged the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Kaduna state chapter’s award of excellence.

The award ceremony which took place at the Ahmadu Bello  Stadium also had a friendly match between the SWAN selected team and the Kaduna Electric FC as part of the activities for the award.

The keenly competitive match saw the Kaduna Electric team outplayed the SWAN selected team to the admiration of the dignitaries and spectators who cheered both teams.

Although the first half of the match was goalless, the Kaduna Electric returned stronger and won a penalty which SWAN selected team equalized within two minutes. The match however ended 2:1 in favour of the Kaduna Electric team.

On the essence of the award, Kaduna State SWAN Chairman, Isaiah Benjamin said the award was in recognition of the MD/CEOs contributions to sports particularly among the workforce.

He however emphasized that,” SWAN award is not for sale but only awarded to those who merited it and have demonstrated their commitment towards sports development at all levels”.

The award he further said was basically to spur the awardee to do more in the area of sports development.

“I have never known The MD Engr. Garba Haruna neither  have l met him as a person. He was identified for sports development in his organization. The Kaduna Electric Football Club because of his activities and love for sports has so many sporting facilities within the organization and we felt we should encourage him.

The boys actually played their best and we have seen that they have talents and we are happy for him.

We are calling on individuals, cooperate organizations, state governments, local governments to emulate the gesture of Kaduna Electric MD/CEO in supporting sports at their various levels.”

Responding, the Awardee, Engineer Haruna who expressed appreciation for the award and the honour done to him, said, he was doing his job not knowing that he was being noticed.

He said, he has plans in the nearest future to build on the sporting efforts within all the company’s franchise which includes Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.

” We have plans to organize inter states football competition among our franchise zones as part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among the workforce and by extension the society at large.

“This honour which came to me as a surprise will serve as a force to push us to do more. Meanwhile, I dedicate the award to the entire staff of Kaduna electric whose tireless efforts helps to achieve this award”.

To his staff, he urged them to engage in various forms of sport to remain fit, stressing that, “a healthy workforce will definitely be productive at all times”.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion includes, Kaduna State Commissioner, Youths, Sports and culture, Daniel Danauta, Director of Sports from the ministry Mr. Yakubu Ibrahim, President, Nigeria Volleyball Federation and Patron SWAN, Kaduna State Chapter, Engineer Musa Nimrod and the Zonal Coordinator, Northwest Mr. Olushola Luke, SWAN Zonal Secretary Abdulraheem Aodu among several others.

The awardee took the ceremonial Kick off while medals were presented to the best goal keeper, most valuable player, match officials and a trophy to the winning team.

ENDS