Makanjuola Nureni, an Abuja-based football administrator and philanthropist, has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in recognition of his exceptional support for journalists and his significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The prestigious award was presented during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration held in Abuja, commemorating 60 years of promoting excellence in sports journalism across the nation.
Following the presentation, Nureni expressed his heartfelt gratitude, describing the award as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to continue his lifelong commitment to youth and grassroots sports.
“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration for me and my supporters, and I believe it will encourage us to invest more in youth sports development in Nigeria,” he stated.
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Nureni noted that the recognition serves as a moral boost after decades of hard work and quiet impact within the sports community.
“I feel happy and fulfilled because we have been doing this for decades, and many times, our efforts went unnoticed. But I thank God that SWAN recognised people like us,” Nureni added.
Founder and owner of Water FC Academy, a renowned football institution based in Abuja, Nureni focuses on discovering, nurturing, and empowering young Nigerian talents.
Through Water FC, he has developed and sponsored numerous players who have represented Nigeria’s national teams and played professionally in clubs across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
His unwavering commitment, passion, and investment in nurturing young athletes have made him a prominent figure in Nigerian grassroots football.
In presenting the award, SWAN commended Nureni’s steadfast dedication to the growth of sports and his continual support for sports journalism and youth empowerment. The association highlighted his decades-long service to football development, describing him as a true partner in promoting excellence within Nigerian sports.
The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration brought together leading figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to honour individuals and organisations whose contributions have advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.
Nureni’s recognition stands as a testament to his vision, consistency, and commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes while strengthening the foundations of Nigerian football.
With this honour, Makanjuola Nureni further solidifies his legacy as one of the foremost private contributors to sports growth and youth development in Nigeria. His story continues to inspire a new generation of sports administrators and philanthropists dedicated to transforming Nigerian sports from the grassroots up.
