Sports
Ex-Lawmaker Tasks FG On Orphanage Sports
A former member of the
House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, called on the Federal Government to show orphans love by developing orphanage sports in the country.
He made the call in Abuja at the end of a three-day Orphanage Homes Sports Festival Nigeria (OHSFN), organised by the Challenged Children Charity Foundation (3CF) for orphans in Nigeria.
Melaye said that the development of orphanage sports would enable orphans all over the country to have a sense of belonging.
“What the organisers of this game have done is what government should have done.
“This period is very emotional for me because these are kids that don’t have mother and father; in a responsible society, government is supposed to be their father and mother.
“This is an opportunity to call on the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to become `born again’ because this is actually the responsibility of government,’’ he said.
Melaye said that the country’s sports sector would be the major beneficiary of such games, as the talents from the various orphanages across the country would be properly harnessed.
“I didn’t believe that these talents can come from orphanages.
“Amongst you, by the grace of God, we will see people that will beat the record of ace footballer Rashidi Yekini; amongst you, we will see presidents and first ladies.
“In your midst, we will have senators, House of Reps. members, pastors and imams.
“We are going to convince all the multinationals that are spending money on frivolities that this is where they need to invest their money,’’ he added.
The organiser of the sports festival, Mrs Ugonna Uzor-Kalu, said that the event was initiated to create sports men and women for the country.
She said that the sports fiesta would also serve as a medium for empowering the young ones in sports and other skills.
“I see this event as an opening door for this target population; this maiden edition is a stepping stone.
“I urge individuals and corporate organisations to do more in affecting the lives of the less-privileged positively,” Ugonna said.
South-South geo-political zone, represented by Edo, won the football trophy and emerged as the overall winners of the sports festival.
The Edo team defeated their North-East counterparts from Kaduna State 4-1 on penalties, after a goalless draw in regulation time.
North-Central zone, represented by the FCT, finished second with 156 points trailing behind Edo with 174 points.
Kaduna State, representing the North-East zone placed third in the festival with 134 points, while the North-West zone, represented by Bauchi and Yobe ended on 116 points to finish fourth.
The South-West zone won the fifth position with garnered 70 points, while the South-East, which did not have any representation, placed sixth with zero point.
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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