Sports
Sports Can Rehabilitate Militants –Kokoriko
National President of United Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (UYSFON) Chief Godspower Kokoriko says sports is one of the major ways of rehabilitating and re-integrating the pardoned militants into the society.
Chief Kokoriko made public his view in a chat with Tidesports on Wednesday, saying that rehabilitation should not only be concentrated in skills and crafts.
The sports administrator said aside from football, other sports such as judo, karate, boxing as well as swimming should be exploited as a means to engage the minds of the youths.
The National Youths Sports Federation boss cited the case of Mike Tyson who was discovered during rehabilitation, adding that is an example of how sports an be used to empower an individual despite his or her ugly part.
Frowning at the poor sports facilities at the Social Rehabilitation Centre at Okehi in Etche Local Government Area, Chief Kokoriko argued that what is on ground is not enough to contain the militants, especially in the recreational aspect.
“Sports is a powerful weapon to tackle youth restiveness and other vices”, Kokoriko remarked.
He called on the Presidential Committee on Amnesty and Rehabilitation, not to confine the repentant militants in one place but to establish centres with sports facilities in other centres like Port Harcourt, Okrika, Bonny and Opobo.
Other activities Kokoriko recommended include organising football competitions for the groups, stressing that such competitions would unify warring parties and take their mind away from drugs and instil peace in the state.
The football administrator also tasked churches and other religious groups to establish fish farms and other ventures to assist in rehabilitating the militants, emphasising that all efforts should not be concentrated on the spiritual aspect.
Youths in basket ball competition
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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