Sports
Rivers’ll Take Good Care Of Sports Facilities – Perm Sec
Against the fears that Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports facilities at the Complex in Rivers State would be abandoned as the 17th National Sport Festival, tagged “Garden City Games 2011 has been concluded, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Sports in Rivers State, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter has assured that the facilities would not be abandoned.
Sir, Walter, made the assurance earlier in the week in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, saying that the sporting facilities would be adequately put to use and maintained.
According to him, the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex is still under construction and there is an agreement between the constructors and government to maintain and train capable hands to take over maintenance of the facilities.
“It is important to note that all facilities under the supervision of Ministry of Sports will be properly cared for.
“The Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium is still under construction and there is an agreement signed between the constructors and the state government to maintain the facilities and train people that will handle the facilities” Walter said.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the facilities put in place at the complex have increased the rating of the state in terms of quality sporting facilities.
He used the forum to advise athletes in the state to take advantage of the facilities, saying that all athletes were free to use them.
Tonye Orabere
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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