Sports
Abuja National Stadium Gulps N120m For Water, Power Monthly
Sports Minister, Yusuf Suleiman, yesterday in Abuja described the Abuja National Stadium as a first-class facility with a third-class maintenance level, despite gulping a whopping N60m each for water and electricity every month
Suleiman, who said this while addressing newsmen after inspecting the facility, however, said he had directed that something be done about the situation.
“I have seen first-class facilities here during my inspection of the stadium, but sadly, it is a facility with third-class maintenance,’’ he said.
The minister noted that while the facilities in the stadium complex were world-class, maintenance efforts were below standard and could not justify the funds spent on it.
“The National Sports Commission (NSC) has been paying about N60 million to the Water Board monthly on this stadium, just about the same amount goes to PHCN for electricity consumption.
“Yet, it is a fact that we hardly put the place to use and it does not generate money that reflects the worth of the facility. We need to make money from it,’’ he said.
Suleiman, who was at the stadium for the first time in his new role since assuming duty last week, said he was taking steps to change the situation.
“I have already discussed the issue with the commission’s Director-General (Chief Patrick Ekeji), and we are already looking at what to do about it.
“This is why we will have to make use of the public private partnership (PPP), and I have told the stadium management to come out with plans on how to make this happen,’’ he said.
Earlier, Suleiman, who is also the NSC chairman, said he would encourage the private sector to show more interest in sports development.
This, he said, would be through the provision of sports equipment in the local communities.
The minister noted that the NSC would continue to focus on grass roots sports development through a talent-hunt programme, which will facilitate age-grade competitions.
“To promote keener competition at this level, a performance benchmark will be set, which will attract cash and other rewards for athletes and coaches,’’ he said.
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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