Sports
Jonathan Committed To Sports Development – Minister
The Minister for Sports, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja has said the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan to sports development as a means of empowering the youth is total.
The minister said this at the weekend in Abuja while fielding questions from newsmen.
He said the president had put in place all machineries through the sports ministry to ensure that Nigeria excelled in the All-African Games, at the Olympics and at other sporting events.
“If you look at the reception that Mr President gave to our athletes, it is one of the ways of encouraging and promoting sports development generally,’’ he said.
Adedoja noted that about 13 associations were recently hosted by the president who gave athletes cash rewards.
He said the athletes had resolved to do the country proud as a result of the incentive and sense of belonging showed by the president.
He added that President Goodluck Jonathan, as a sports man himself, realises the benefit of sports to both the athlete and to the nation.
Adedoja said the president had given him a marching order to reposition sports in the country.
He said he would like to be remembered for his efforts at rehabilitating sports facilities in the country at the end of his tenure.
“I also want to be remembered for putting back into use the various facilities that have not been in used,’’ he said.
He specifically said that the main bowl of the National Stadium in Lagos that had been abandoned for nine years would soon be put to full use.
Adedoja said one of his greatest joys would be to evolve a sports revolution that would promote sports at the grassroots.
He reiterated his commitment to public private partnership in sports facility management and creating an enabling environment for the training of athletes, coaches and officials.
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.