Sports
Philanthropist Lauds Rivers Speaker Over Sports Promotion
The speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Tonye Harry has been given a pat on the back for promoting tennis in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
A sports philanthropist, Chief Christopher Okonkwo Ogamba who made the commendation during a chat with Tidesports in his office in Port Harcourt believes that the speaker’s Tennis Academy is doing a good job by fishing out and training tennis players to stardom. He called on other individuals and organizations to emulate him in promoting sports of their choice.
Ogamba noted that such would engage the youths meaningfully, pointing out that there were many talented youths whose expertise are yet to be tapped.
Chief Ogamba, who is also a patron of sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State said that for Sports to grow, all hands, must be on deck in promoting all spheres of sports rather than concentrating only on football.
According to him, youths should be encouraged to take to other sports in order for sports to grow, saying that sports has become a source of livelihood for many families.
He, however, advised that youths should combine sports and education, as he called for the revival of school sports and grassroots tournaments, where talents could be discovered and groomed to represent the state and the country in national and international sports tournaments.
The sports philanthropist also noted that God bestowed different talents to everybody and such talents could be fished out during such sports competitions, and enjoined the government, corporate organisations and individuals to help sponsor sports in the country.
Collins Barasimeye
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.