Sports
FG To Harness Sporting Potentials Of Youths- Sambo
Vice President Namadi Sambo at the weekend in Port Harcourt said that the government was prepared to harness the sporting potentials of Nigerian youths to further develop the country.
Sambo, who disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the 17th National Sports Festival, said it was important to do so because sports had become a potent tool of development.
“Sports globally is a potent tool of development, not only in the area of infrastructure development but in providing gainful employment as well as enhancing healthy lifestyles
“This is why government is ready to maximise the gains inherent in sports development, and especially in supporting and promoting programmes such as this sports festival.”
The Vice President said government had realised the importance of sports in the way many countries use their sports heroes as sports ambassadors and image projectors.
“We will continue to enhance sporting activities at all levels, knowing full well the role sports plays in nation-building, as well as in projecting the country’s image.”
Sambo noted that the fiesta had revealed a lot of young and new talents, and urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) not to relent in its efforts at improving on the festival.
“With the kind of performances witnessed at this festival, I have no doubt that the athletes that would serve Nigeria better at the 2012 Olympic Games have been identified.
“The NSC should therefore ensure that they are well-managed. The NSC should not relent in working at transforming the festival and making it a brand that will be revered worldwide.
“The responsibility of the commission should not also stop at that but should include ensuring that the athletes discovered here are projected more to be able to win more laurels for the country.”
Sambo lauded the Rivers government for hosting the festival and committing huge resources into the provision of new facilities.
He, therefore, called on the state government to ensure that the facilities were properly used and maintained.
“The benefits of hosting, far outweighs the quantum of funds that have been sunk into hosting the festival. Yet Rivers must make sure that the facilities serve us for a long time.
“Government must ensure that the facilities are not allowed to disintegrate. There should be proper utilisation of the facilities through maintenance and the organisation of more competitions,” Sambo said.
He said the private sector must come in to not only provide more facilities, but work hand in hand with government to ensure constant and proper utilisation of the facilities.
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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