Sports
Gadzama Golf Tournament To Become National Championship
The annual J.K. Gadzama and Partners Golf Tournament will soon become a national championship, its sponsor said at the weekend in Abuja.
Joe Gadzama, an Abuja-based lawyer and golf enthusiast, said at the tee-off of the tournament’s fifth edition that the expansion would help him in further achieving the tournament’s objectives.
Tidesports reports that the tournament is sponsored annually at the IBB Golf and Country Club in Abuja by Gadzama, a former captain of the club.
“Our starting point was five years ago, and like a joke we are now here where the tournament has metamorphosed into a full-blown tournament.
“We are hopeful that this will continue, and even go on in the not-too-distant future into a national championship which will be better organised and with more attraction.
“We hope to have more invited players from all over the country and not just Abuja and its environs. Then we will also have bigger prizes and other gifts and souvenirs to go with it.’’
He noted that the tournament had over the past few years grown tremendously to fulfil the objectives earlier set out for it.
“As a former club captain, somebody who has served in different capacities at this club (IBB Golf and Country Club), I had seen it as imperative of me to sponsor this competition.
“It is not only as a way of making people have an avenue to play a little after some work, or bring people closer to each other, but also as our own way of giving back to the golfing community.
“However, the more important aspect is in fulfilling the ambition and desire to breed young golfers who will take over after we have left the scene in the game.
“So, through this tournament, we are spreading the gospel of catching them young, and preparing those to take the baton from us in the game.’’
The former IBB Golf and Country Club captain expressed delight in the attraction the tournament had been over the years at the club.
“I am quite elated at what we have. It is like when you cook a meal and there are many people to join you in savouring it.
“This is evident in the number of participants in the tournament, in spite of its being a one-day affair.
“ For example, over 200 indicated interest in this year’s edition when we had prepared to have only 160. It is indeed something to make me happy.’’
Tidesports reports that participants in the tournament included Kogi Governor Idris Wada, former Senate President Iyorchia Ayu and the former President of the Lady Golfers Association, Mrs Ngozi Osuhor.
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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