Sports
LG Boss Hails Corps Member Over Football Pitch
The Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council, Hon. Maclean Bethel Uranta, has commended the efforts of a batch ‘C’ Corps member, Mr Ede Obinna for single-handedly turning a thick virgin land into a standard football field in the area. The project is at Queen’s Town, Opobo.
Speaking during the handing over of the field to the Opobo people, Hon. Uranta said anyone who serves humanity whole-heartedly would be rewarded accordingly.
Appreciating the corper’s hard work and initiative, Uranta called on the leaders of the community to see the project as their own and ensure its maintenance.
In his remarks, the Youth and Sports Supervisor in the area, Hon. Kenneth Minimah expressed joy at the project which he described as unprecedented, promising that the council would do everything necessary to sustain it and use it to promote sports in the area.
Responding, Mr Ede Obinna said he was inspired to embark on the project with a view to encouraging sports activities in the area.
He said, “seeing the immense value of playing pitch, I decided to go into creating one,” and expressed the belief that it would impact on the lives of youths in the area, pointing out that though his colleagues had passed out, he decided to stay back to put a finishing touch to his pet project.
In appreciation of Mr Obinna’s gesture, the council chairman, Hon. Uranta supported him with N300,000 and urged the people of Queen’s Town to own up the project.
Shedie Okpara
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.