Sports
RSG Appoints Management For Sports Facilities
A 10-man committee was yesterday inaugurated by the Rivers State Government to oversee, manage and secure the recently constructed and renovated sports facilities in the Old Township axis of Port Harcourt City.
Members of the committee are Mr Sovens Okari, Chairman, Mr Edwin Amadi, Secretary, Mr Eldred Abey, Mr Chike Ohaka, Mr Fubara Fibika and Mr Johnson Abey as members.
Other members include Mr Tony Womeodu, Mr Mark Yelanfra, Mr Christian Udogu and Mr Ngei Chu.
While inaugurating the committee at the Ministry of Sports, the Commissioner for Sports, Hon Fred Igwe tasked the members to ensure maximum and effective use of the facilities for the purposes of sports development and promotion only. He charged them to do everything possible to ensure that the facilities are well maintained, secured and put to only activities (sports) that will return Old Port Harcourt Township to its past glory in sports.
He warned that the facilities should not be made to host other social activities that would derail the vision and reason for which they were built.
Responding, chairman of the committee, Mr Okari assured that the committee would not fail in the task of ensuring total development of grassroots sports in the state.
He stated that some of them had been yearning for the return of the good old days when the Township used to be known for sports excellence, and that they would use the opportunity to work towards the realisation of Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s desire to return the state to the forefront of sports development in Nigeria.
He noted the huge investment Governor Amaechi’s administration has made in sports and declared that no distraction would deter them from repositioning sports and its development in the state.
He further called for the facilities to be extended to Diobu, D-Line and other axis of Port Harcourt and Rivers State, so that all the areas would have equal opportunities for development and competitions.
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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