Sports
Federation Boss Plans Big For South-South
The newly appointed South-
South Basketball Co-ordinator of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Tamunoemie Wilson Harry has pledged to use his wealth of experience to develop the Sport in the area.
Harry made the promised in his office during an interview with Tidesports, shortly after his appointment.
He explained that Basketball started from the schools, adding that, it is also wise that the development programme of the sport begins from the schools.
“The first Basketball Captain in Nigeria, Dr Awoture Ilaye and Akin Olajuma who were professional started from the school,” he said.
He noted that the Rivers State Governor, Right Honorable Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has done well by fixing sports facilities in all the government schools, especially the basketball court, adding that, the NBBF, would make good use of the facilities.
“I have written to the State Commissioner of Education on the issue and she is ready to work with the body to develop and promoted the sport in the State. Though, I am yet to meet with the Commissioner for Sports,” he said.
“Also, I have written to the Akwa-Ibom State’s Sports and Education Commissioner so far and I will visit Bayelsa State soonest. I took Basketball to Bayelsa State in 1999, I know that they would be very happy with the development,” he added.
He said that he was working on programmes such as pupil’s and coaches clinic, train more basketball coaches, games masters and mistresses in schools including holidays programme as to develop the game to an enviable height in the State and other South-South States.
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.