Nigerian sports journalists under the aegis of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have conferred the status of National Patron on Nigerian-born United Kingdom (UK)-based sports philanthropist Moses Andishu.

The missive confirming the new status bequeathed on Mr Andishu, was presented to him, by the national president of the association, Mr. Benjamin Isaiah during his 53rd birthday celebration held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Mr. Isaiah described the honour as well deserved.

According to him, Mr Andishu has been consistent in rendering support to the development of sports journalism, which had then led to his appointment as the patron of SWAN Kano chapter.

He further said the awardee deserves a national investiture in appreciation of his tireless support towards the development of rugby in secondary schools, adding that Moses is renowned in his role as the pioneers’ advocate for the improved investments being recorded in the area of sports mental health in Nigeria.

He said credit would go to the awardee for being unrepentant in pursuing the creation of awareness on the critical role occupied by mental health in sports activities and had persistently called for investment by critical stakeholders.

According to the SWAN President, several human development scouting programmes funded by Mr Moses has led to the recruitment of Nigerian men and women athletes by foreign clubs culminating to their being economically empowered.

He commended Mr Moses for sponsoring the YSFON /Moses Andishu U17 Boys soccer tournament.

Isaiah said the massive support from the awardee to athletes, coaches and sports journalists to help improve their development at various stages calls for appreciation.

He disclosed that the awardee would be conferred with his new befitting status, during the forth coming SWAN Diamond jubilee celebration schedule for October in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.