Sports
Okorocha Stops Community Levy For Grassroots Competition
Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has stopped the payment of registration fee by communities wishing to participate in the proposed community-based football tournament in the state.
Okorocha’s order came on the heels of a public outcry against the payment of N20,000 fee as directed by the Ministry of Youths and Sports.
Mr Eze Ude, the Chief Executive Officer of Kreation Sports Concept, a sports management outfit which is organising the event in conjunction with the ministry, said that at least 600 communities would be involved.
Ude told newsmen that no less than 150 communities had already paid and registered for the month-long tournament slated to commence by the end of this month.
Commenting on the negative public reaction, one of the governor’s aide said, on condition of anonymity, that “the fee did not receive the governor’s blessing.
“There is no way the governor would approve such a proposal for communities to pay N20,000 before they can participate in a tournament being organised by the state government.
“The governor did not only order the commissioner to stop the unwarranted fee, he also ordered him to immediately refund communities that have paid.
He explained that the tournament was being organised as part of the strategies by the administration for talent hunt to give “our footballers in the communities the opportunity to showcase their talents.
“So, the governor has said repeatedly that participation in the competition is free,” he said.
Confirming the governor’s directive, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Kenneth Emedu, said that the ministry had stopped the collection of the registration fee.
“We have told interested communities to stop the payment of the registration fee,” Emedu said, adding that “we will even refund communities that have already paid.
“Since this administration is on a rescue mission, government would organise the tournament and communities do not have to pay.”
Coordinators of the tournament in the 27 local government areas of the state had earlier complained to the commissioner that the communities were averse to the fee, which was initially fixed at N30,000.
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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