Sports
Body Advocates Sports Development In Andoni
The leadership of Ibotirem Football Association (IFA) in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the state government, local governments and corporate bodies to assist in developing sports the rural areas.
IFA National Organising Committee (NOC) chairman, Ellis Nria Dappa made the call in an exclusive interview with The Tidesports shortly after their annual general meeting in his office in Port Harcourt, on Monday.
Nria stated that the orgasisation had been trying its best to improve on sporting activities in the area, especially football at the grassroots for about two years now.
“We have been doing our best to improve football competitions in our locality for about two years now. Like the last year football competition organised by this body which was tagged “Footballing For Unity” created a lot of enthusiasms and awareness among the youths in our rural areas.
“We are calling on government at all levels and multi-nationals operating in Rivers State to come to our aid in order to achieve our set objectives,” Ellis said.
He commended the honourable member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Hon. Dakuku Peterside for donating a trophy for the competition in 2010, and added that the gesture would never go unnoticed.
“We are very thankful to Hon. Dakuku Peterside for the trophy he donated for our last year competition. This is what we cannot forget so easily,” he said.
Howver, he said this year’s programme would be unfolded soon.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Okwan Prince Stephen, also commended the magnanimity of Hon. Dakuku and urged others to emulate him as to encourage sporting activities in the area.
He lamented that there were so many talents that could be tapped from the youths but that lack of sponsorship has been the bane.
He attributed the achievements recorded in recently concluded 17th Sports Festival hosted by Rivers State to the commitment shown by the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi towards sports development in the state.
“If we really want to curb youth restiveness in our society we should also think toward this direction of giving those who are willing to improve or showcase their talents in sports,” Stephen stated.
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.