The Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has unveiled plans to immortalise its former Chairman, Hakeem Akintunde, through an annual memorial lecture in honour of his lasting contributions to sports journalism and sports development in Nigeria.

The memorial lecture will be held every February 27 — Akintunde’s birthday — beginning next year, as a platform to celebrate his life, professional legacy, and commitment to advancing sports reporting and administration.

In a statement issued by the Ogun SWAN Chairman, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, the association described the initiative as a deliberate move to preserve the ideals Akintunde stood for and to ensure that his impact continues to resonate within the sporting and media communities.

Akintunde, who served meritoriously as SWAN Chairman from 2017 to 2023, was widely regarded as a transformational leader. During his tenure, he strengthened the association’s institutional structure, promoted ethical sports journalism, and fostered unity among members. He was also recognised for his strong advocacy for grassroots sports development across Ogun State and beyond.

According to Ogunsiji, the annual lecture will not only honour Akintunde’s memory but also serve as an intellectual forum to address critical issues affecting sports journalism and administration in Nigeria.

“The decision to immortalise him is aimed at sustaining his legacy and inspiring upcoming sports journalists to uphold the values he stood for — professionalism, accountability, and service,” the statement read.

The association further called on members of the sporting community, media practitioners, and stakeholders nationwide to participate in the memorial initiative, describing it as a collective responsibility to celebrate a man whose influence significantly shaped sports journalism in the state and across Nigeria.

With the move, Ogun SWAN is positioning the memorial lecture as more than a ceremonial tribute — but as a strategic knowledge platform designed to reinforce standards, promote excellence, and challenge the next generation of sports writers to build on a solid foundation of integrity and purpose.