Sports
NSC Decries Activities Of Hoodlums At National Stadium
The Lagos Liaison Officer, National Sports Commission (NSC), Taiwo Oreweme, has descried the vandalism of government property at the National Stadium by hoodlums who posed as sportsmen.
Oreweme told newsmen in Lagos that measures had been taken to beef up security at the stadium to apprehend those who engaged in the act.
She said that one of the measures taken was the engagement of a private security firm to collaborate with the taskforce constituted to flush out squatters and carryout surveillance at the stadium.
“The 10 security guards contracted recently are working hand-in-hand with our taskforce to stop the hoodlums who keep stealing government property in the stadium.
“We are no longer joking with security that is why we have decided to apprehend persons who lurk around the stadium and vandals who steal electricity cables and other items.”
“Evil men are vandalizing our property and carting them away, it is terrible,” Oreweme said.
The liaison officer said that the security guards had been positioned at strategic places to monitor activities around the complex.
According to her, electrical armoured cables are often dug up and carted away by these enemies of progress.
She advised genuine sportsmen to keep strictly to the areas and time designed for training, warning that anybody caught roaming about or found operating illegal activity would be arrested and prosecuted.
Training sessions in the stadium have been restricted to between 6.00a.m. and 10.00a.m. and 4.00p.m. and 8.00 p.m.
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.