Sports
Jonathan Assures Skills Dev In Sports
President Goodluck Jonathan has assured of his administration’s commitment towards development of the potentials of the nation’s sportsmen and women.
President Jonathan said this Saturday during the closing ceremony of the 10th Police Games with theme: “Redefining Police Through Sports” at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the president stated that “the Federal Government will continue to give maximum support to our sportsmen and women to ensure that they can achieve their ultimate goals and bring honour to our dear nation,” describing sports as a pivot through which national and local honours were won by Nigerian athletes.
He praised former police athletes like Olympic gold medalists, CSP Chioma Ajunwa, late SP Sunday Bada, former world heavyweight boxing champion, DSP Samuel Peters, ASP David Izonrite, and numerous others, for winning laurels for the country, acknowledging that the Nigeria Police Force has contributed immensely to the development of sports in the country.
Dr Jonathan observed that the force has distinguished itself as “one of the veritable sources that has produced great athletes that have brought honour and glory to our dear nation,” commending the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, and his team for the success of the games. He challenged all participants to improve their performance so as to continue to represent the country in international competitions.
In his speech, Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, noted that the spirit of unity of sportsmanship has been ignited among the participants and across the security agencies, assuring the police of his administration’s continued support in order to achieve its mandate of maintaining law and order, encouraging the police high command to continue to improve the physical fitness of its officers.
Speaking, Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, stated that the aim of the games which is to promote unity, comradeship and excellence among members of the force and other sister organizations, has been achieved, stressing that the force under his leadership would continue to stress the importance of physical fitness to its members.
IGP Abubakar stated that the games has provided a platform for the Nigeria police and other security agencies to harmoniously interact, thanking President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Governor Amaechi for their support.
Zone 2, Lagos won the overall trophy followed by Force Heardquarters, Abuja and Zone 11, Oshogbo, while five police officers won five brand new cars in the biennial competition.
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
-
News18 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business8 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation20 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News18 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers7 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers7 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers7 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH