Sports
Sports Ministry Backs Go Round Athletics Championships
The Rivers State Minis
try of Sports has thrown its wait behind the maiden edition of Go Round/SWAN Secondary Schools Athletics Championships being organised among the 23 local government areas of the state.
The championship is being sponsored by the President of God Round Fc, Omoku, Rivers State Bro Felix Obuah in partnership with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State branch for U-17 secondary school students.
Speaking yesterday when the main organizing committee (MOC) and the sponsor of the championship paid him a courtesy visit in his office, commissioner for sports, Hon Boma Iyaye said that the sports ministry would fully support the successful staging of the exercise.
According to him, the championship is a great initiative that the ministry would have no choice but to support.
“It is what we are supposed to be doing and the fact that an individual is doing it for us, we must support it, especially, under the regime of Governor Nyesom Wike, who has shown great desire and support for sports development in the state and beyond”.
The Commissioner directed the support and make necessary facilities available for the championship.
He noted that government alone cannot handle sports promotion and development, saying that the only way to go is for individuals and the private sector to come in. He also urged individuals and companies to support the venture.
Iyaye believes that the championship is gong to be a major sports festival that will benefit the state, provide athletes that would represent the state and Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the sponsor of the championship, Bro Obuah said that the vision behind the venture was to discover and catch talents young, explore a way to engage the youth by creating a platform for career opportunities for the young generation.
Also speaking, Chairman of the MOC, Mr Honour Sirawoo described sport as a money spinning venture. He said that the sponsor in partnership with SWAN is using his personal funds to add value to the society and create alternative means of sourcing revenue.
Sirawoo said that the championship would put exiting infrastructure to good use with the vision to seeing Rivers sons and daughters representing the state and country.
He added that the competition would provide job for the youth and that discovered talents would be put at the disposal of government.
He further harped on the need for government to be part of the vision and add pep to the championship.
Gabriel Nwanetanya
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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