Sports
Degema Targets Grassroots Sports Revolution
The Degema Local Government Council, Rivers State is embarking on a robust efforts geared towards rekindling grassroots sports and athletes in the area for maximum impact for the state and nation in no distant time.
These efforts, according to the Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Ibigoni Daddy Pokima, have found expression in the construction of a modern stadium complex with facilities for different sports in Degema.
Speaking on Tuesday during a fact-finding visit by the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Fred Igew, who was represented by the Chairman, Rivers State Sports Council Board, Hon. Charles Paul, Directors and Heads of Departments in the Sports Ministry and Council, Hon Pokima said that the stadium complex when completed would offer the people of the area and the state the facilities to wean their talents and capacity to bring honour and glory to the state.
He said that he invited the Sports Ministry and Council to interface with them and be advised properly on the stadium project to ensure that facilities are standard and built to best specifications.
According to the Council Chairman, he was moved to embark on the project because of his interest in sports and the discovery that Rivers indigenes do not dominate the State’s personnel to major national competitions as before.
Hon Pokima, who was a renowned wrestler in his days recalled, “During out time, all athletes representing the State used to be mostly Rivers people, especially in wrestling and swimming. We can still do it now and produce good swimmers and wrestlers that will haul laurels for the local government and State in competitions.
Also, the stadium complex is geared towards giving the youth a platform to channel their energy by exploring and expressing their talents there. The facility, Hon. Pokima said would serve the surrounding LGAs and the State when the need arises.
The complex when completed will have an 8,000 sitting capacity football stadium, halls for indoor sports like wrestling, table tennis, etc, Olympic size swimming pool, courts for volleyball, handball, basketball, tennis and others.
The impressive football stadium, which is expected to be completed within 18 months is being built to meet international standard with facilities for some track and field events.
Both the Sports Commissioner’s representative, Hon. Paul, Director of Sports, Hon. Daobu Harry and the entourage were highly impressed by what they saw and commended the Chairman for his commitment to sports development.
They urged other council Chairmen in the State to emulate their Degema counterpart and invest in sports development and leave legacies that will empower the youth in their areas.
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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