Sports
NDDC Restates Commitment To Sports Development
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), says it will sustain its commitment to sports development in the region.
The Managing Director of the commission, Dr. Christian Oboh, who stated this in an interview shortly after a novelty football match in his honour between the Rivers State University of Science and Technology Alumini Association and their University of Port Harcourt counter part last weekend in Port Harcourt acknowledged that sports remained a major component of the commission’s development agenda.
The Managing Director explained that sports, “outside keeping us fit also bring people together and bring joy to the people. Sports all over the word is a major source of income.” Dr. Oboh pledged to encourage Niger Delta youths interested in sports, adding that the commission was willing to partner organisations with same vision for its development in the region.
The event witnessed the presentation of a trophy by the Managing Director, Dr. Christian Oboh to the University of Port Harcourt Alumini Association Football team winner of the match via a first half penalty .
It will be recalled that the Rivers State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) had conferred a merit award on the NDDC for its contributions to sports development in the Niger Delta region.
Some of the sports programmes under NDDC sponsorship include Tiger hunts for gottens, handball, swimming and lawn tennis competitions among secondary schools in the region.
Leticia Opusinju
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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