Sports
Obi Restates Commitment To Sports Development
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, has restated the government’s commitment to the development of sports in the state by upgrading infrastructure and encouraging the athletes.
Receiving the 18th National Sports Festival “Torch of Unity” in Awka last Wednesday, Obi promised that his administration would ensure that the state regained its lost glory in sports.
“The Anambra State Government’s commitment to sports development is total; that is why we approved supplementary budget to sports and security because they are very crucial to us.
“Sports are very critical to the unity of this nation and more importantly it will go a long way to help develop human capital, infrastructure and create employment,’’ Obi said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Edozie Aroh, said the torch was significant to sports as it signified unity, adding that its visit to the state would boost the morale of the athletes.
Aroh said Team Anambra would intensify its preparation for the festival as it had concluded plans to resume the final phase of camping.
“The torch is symbolic in many ways and we in Anambra are particularly happy for this visit.
“You know Gov. Obi is a sports-loving governor as seen from his numerous support and we are definitely going to give our best at the festival by amassing as many medals as possible,” he said.
The Coordinator of the National Sports Commission (NSC) South-East Zone I, Stanley Okebugwu, thanked Obi for receiving the torch and urged him to continue to support the growth of sports in the state.
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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