In a letter dated October 13, 2025, and signed by SWAN Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, the association announced that Akintunde will receive the SWAN @60 Veteran Sports Journalist Award during the Diamond Jubilee celebration slated for October 29–31, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
According to the letter, the honour is in recognition of Akintunde’s “outstanding contributions, professionalism, and enduring service to the growth and integrity of sports journalism in Nigeria.”
The association praised Akintunde’s decades-long dedication to the craft, describing him as a “pioneer and pillar of the profession whose commitment, mentorship, and passion have inspired generations of journalists and enriched the nation’s sporting narrative.”
Akintunde, who has built a distinguished career with OGTV and is celebrated for his insightful sports analysis and mentorship of young reporters, will join other awardees at the SWAN @60 Award and Appeal Fund Ceremony scheduled for October 31, 2025, at the VIP Lounge of the National Stadium.
The event forms part of SWAN’s week-long celebration marking six decades of promoting excellence, credibility, and professionalism in Nigerian sports journalism.
