Sports
18th NSF: Fashola Unveils Logo, Mascot
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state has unveiled the logo, mascot and website of the 18th National Sports Festival, scheduled for November 27 to December 9 in the state.
Fashola, who turned 49 last Thursday, seized the opportunity to thank Lagosians; many of whom he acknowledged sent him birthday wishes.
He said that the event, which he described as historic, was an opportunity to urge the corporate groups which had yet to support the festival, to do so as it held a promise to develop the youth.
The governor advised the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the states that now was the time to re-align the sports calendar in such a manner that would help to identify talents for major Games such the Olympics.
“The festival should be aimed at ultimately producing athletes for the Olympic Games.
“There could have been a natural flow from festivals to discover athletes to represent the country at the Africa Athletics Championships and to the Olympics rather than the current situation that the festivals are held after major Games,’’ he said.
Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi had earlier said that, beginning from the next festival to be hosted by Cross Rivers in 2014, there would be a re-alignment to ensure the production of athletes for major international sporting engagements.
He said that the launch of the mascot, logo and website would help to sensitise potential sponsors and partners to the need to boost the marketing initiative.
Director-General of the NSC, Dr Patrick Ekeji, said that as part of innovations to make the Games compare favourably with those which had international repute, Cross River had already set up a Local Organising Committee (LOC).
He said that the state would send the LOC, constituted two years ahead of its hosting the festival, to attend the Lagos Games as observers.
Ekeji said that the knowledge acquired would be of immense benefit to Cross River in organising the festival.
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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