Sports
Imoke Charges LG Chairmen On Sports Programmes
Cross River State governor,
Liyel Imoke has directed chairmen of Local Government councils to play active parts in the State Primary/Secondary School Athletics and Swimming Championship as from next year.
Imoke stated this during the closing ceremony of the third Cross River State Primary/Secondary School Athletics and Swimming Championship at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
He said the decision was hinged on the fact that some chairmen were lagging behind thereby thwarting the effort of government in realizing the benefit of its comprehensive sports development programme.
The governor maintained that those who excelled in the championship should be celebrated and every child should have equal opportunity to excel.
He stressed that chairmen should be part of the championship and every child partaking in it should be fully kitted from head to toe and nobody should run bare footed because they are champions.
On the essence of the championship, the governor disclosed that it was organised for children to express their talents to become champions in sports and academics.
Imoke expressed that the outcome of the championship was a reflection of the fact that people have job and have passion for their work and the children had realized their talent through them
The governor disclosed that government had introduced a special education programme with full scholarship for those whose talents have been discovered and are undergoing training while their allowances will be increased.
He further said buses will be sent to the six selected schools for sports excellence because he wants the beneficiaries to be champions in the 2014 National Sports Festival to be hosted by the state.
According to him, the athletes did the state proud last year when the state hosted the National School Sports Festival and promised to provide them what ever they need to support them
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, said the closing was significant because it coincided with the Children’s Day celebration and 13 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
Ugbe disclosed that standards had improved while the children were adequately taken care of unlike previous editions.
The commissioner remarked that some of the champions picked from the championship will grow to represent the state in 2014 National Sports Festival and also not too long, represent the country in future.
He thanked chairmen of local government councils that participated in the championship and warned that next year, the rules will be very tough.
On the scope of the championship, Ugbe disclosed that swimming was included this year and in few years, it will grow to become a full blown festival with other sporting events attached to it.
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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