Sports
Amaechi Pledges Support For Polo Tournament
Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has stated the State Government’s readiness to support the hosting and organisation of Port Harcourt International Polo tournament next year January.
He made the declaration when the new Executive Council members of the Port Harcourt Polo Club led by its President, Mr Ibifiri Bobmanuel together with the Organising Committee visited him yesterday, at the Government House Port Harcourt.
The Governor, while congratulating the new management of the Polo Club for resolving their internal crisis said,” that is what unity does using the huge energy resource that all have. I will advise that you try to see how many of the companies that you can meet to sponsor the programme that is coming in January’’.
He stated that the State Government will only play the part of supporting the tournament due to the numerous projects it has at hand, “ we are willing to partner with you but don’t rely on the state Government only…We have a lot of projects we want to do’’.
Amaechi who was officially invested as the Grand Patron of the Port Harcourt Polo Club further congratulated the new management team of the club stating,” if it is true that you have resolved, then we thank God and we are willing to partner with you in the course of the development of the club’’.
He observed that it was easy to have a Polo Club in the State and therefore counselled them to seek more ways to promote the sport rather than seeking to compete with other sports club, stressing that polo is a unique sport.
In his remarks earlier, President of the club, Mr Ibifiri Bobmanuel informed the Governor that the club had resolved its internal wranglings and was poised to host an international tournament next year.
He said since the team came on board, it had refurbished the facility and installed new facilities to meet world standards.
Mr Bobmanuel submitted that currently the club is rated amongst the first 100 in the world and thanked the Governor for all his kind support, “ we have to show our love and support for the good work you are doing for Rivers people’’, he further said.
Chairman of the Organisisng Committee of Port Harcourt International Polo Tournament 2013′, Admiral Dutse James Boer solicited for government’s support to the tournament and disclosed that it plans to raise about N120 million in order to successfully host the tourney next year.
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News15 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Nation16 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business5 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News15 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers4 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
News15 hours agoArmy Foils Cattle Rustling, Kills Terrorists In Benue …Rescues Two Kidnapped Bank Staff
-
Nation16 hours agoOgoni Mangrove Wetlands Gain International Recognition As Ramsar Site