Sports
Abual Odual Youths Tasked On Weightligting
A former Commonwealth and African Weghtlifting gold Medalist in the 69kg category, Oliver Toby has urged the youths in Abua Odua local government area, Rivers State to utilised the advantages offered by the standard weightlifting gym provided by the council, Chairman Hon Udi Odum for their development and of the sport.
Toby, who is also the zonal weightlifting coach in Abua Odua local government gave the advise in an exclusive interview with Tidesports yesterday in Port Harcourt.
He said that the weightlifting gym provided by the Odum administration at the council secretariat has not been effectively ultilised due to the failure of the youths to identify with the game.
According to him, the gym has two standard platforms and sets of barbells, pointing out that it is one of the best at the grassroots level in the country.
The zonal weightlifting coach further disclosed that six athletes were presently training at the gym and hoped that there would be a change of attitude towards the sport in the area.
“However, the local government area came first in weightlifting and overall second in the whole events during the unity game in 2009”. Toby revealed.
Toby lauded the vision of the present council administration in the establishment of the standard weightlifting gym capable of producing athletes that would represent the state in the National Sports Festival in Lagos later this year.
The Commonwealth gold medalist used the opportunity to appeal to multi-national firms operating in the area to support the efforts of the council to develop weightlifting and other sports in the area.
Isaac Nwankwo
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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