Sports
Maigari Praises 2013 Sports Awards
The Minister of Sports,
Bolaji Abdullahi, has lauded the organisers of the 2013 Nigerian Sports Awards, for their innovations in recognising deserving individuals that did the nation proud.
Abdullahi made the remark through Mrs Tayo Oreweme, the Liaison Officer, National Sports Commission (NSC), Lagos.
A total of 16 categories of awards were conferred on remarkable athletes and stakeholders for their outstanding achievements in 2013.
According to Abdullahi, the NSC was pleased that the athletes and stakeholders were duly recognised for their selfless services.
“This is a laudable objective that would help to promote sports in the country.
“We will continue to support the initiative because the objective will encourage upcoming athletes to believe in themselves and strive to take their game to a higher level,’’ Abdullahi said.
In the same vein, Aminu Maigari, the Chairman, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who was recognised as the Sports Administrator of the Year, said the organisers were progressive individuals.
“This is a laudable objective. I am proud to be a winner and it is proof of the good results we achieved in the year.
“I want to use the opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to come and render their support to the growth of sports in the country,’’ Maigari said.
Meanwhile, Ebere Obi, the younger brother of Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, said that it was a great honour for his brother.
Ebere, who stood in for his brother, Mikel, said that it would be the second time in a row, that the Chelsea FC of England midfielder would be bestowed with the award.
“I am happy for my brother. He couldn’t attend the ceremony because of club engagements but he asked me to thank the organisers and his fans,’’ he said.
Divine Oduduru, a gold medallist in the 100 and 200m events in the 2013 African Youths Athletics Championships in Warri, who was bestowed with the Discovery of the Year Award, said he was happy.
“ I am truly grateful. This is a testimony of the hard work I put into my training. I thank the organisers for the recognition.
“My target now is to become a great athlete at the senior level and win many international laurels for the country,’’ Oduduru said.
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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