Sports
NNPC/TEPNC’S OML 58 Competition To Promote Peace, Reconciliation
Grassroot football players showing off their skills
The 2015 edition of the
NNPC/TEPNG Football competition for the OML 58 host communities in Rivers State, which is the 14th edition has been earmarked for peace and reconciliation in the areas.
This indication was underlined during the opening ceremony of the competition held yesterday at Okah High School, Elele Okinali in Ikwerre local government area.
Speaking in his keynote address, the Executive General Manager, Operations, Mr. Jean-Claude Vachet expressed the Joint venture’s pride to identify with the noble project as part of their commitment to encourage and empower the youth through active engagement and skills training that will promote sustainable socio-economic development.
The football competition is one of the community relations programmes aimed at strengthening unity, peace and love between the company and her host communities and Mr. Vachet described this 14th edition as a special with the theme, “playing for peace, Reconciliation.
Mr. Vachet, who was represented by the Community Affairs Services Manager. Mr Obara Okechukwu, said because of security challenges currently beleaguering the communities, the usual age restriction was kept aside.
“I want to say that this year 16 teams will start the campaign towards one goal of winning the competition. Ubrama and Abarikpo are featured for the first time, both teams are drawn from the Ekpeye Kingdom” Okechukwu said.
He explained that the management of Total E &P Nigeria Limited and their joint venture partners are committed to supporting the annual competition.
The community affairs services manager, used the forum to appeal to all participating teams to make new friends through this tournament.
“I Thank the organizing committee for putting this competition together. I also advise players to respect technical officials, tournament to achieve success” He stated.
Earlier the chairman of the occasion, Chief Omieneokuma Kile, urged the participating teams to use the competition as a platform to foster peace and friendliness in the communities.
“Football is a friendly game, as such I urge you to be happy. I also advice you to take the game seriously to enable you grow from grassroots to international level” Chief Kile added.
The opening match was between defending champions, Erema United FC, Idu and Ubrama FC.
Tonye Orubere
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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