Sports
Okorocha Indicted Over Heartland Relegration
The former Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim has overtly accused the incumbent Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, of fully contributing to the recent relegation of Heartland Football Club, Owerri, to the Second Division.
He made the disclosure in Ikeduru recently when he delivered a lecture/keynote address in a synod held at Saint John’s Anglican Church, Owu-Amakohia, Ikeduru.
The former governor through the Synod theme: Cultivating Contentment As A Flower Of Heaven”, reiterated that Heartland players got relegated to the Division Two due to their disobedience to the referee during their last match with Plateau United of Jos.
He stated that the players of Heartland walked out of the football pitch during their last match, noting that they emulated such disobedience from the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who has penchant for not obeying the rule of law.
He blamed the governor for not taking adequate financial treatment of the club seriously, compared to his administration that gave Heartland Football Club all the required facilities to operate, which enabled them to win some laurels.
According to the Ohakim, “In my regime, I contracted Ben Iroha, Sampson Siasia, Kalu Nwankwo and Ikeh Shoromu, who brought in a wonderful football development to the club.
He frowned at a situation where Heartland Football Club has been the only Division One club in the South-East that has been on relegation against the expectations of the people.
The ex-governor asserted that the way the Heartland Club was underfunded by the governor affected other segments of the state, making Imolities lose interest in government activities.
He said that good governance, as drawn from the tenure of the synod, are qualities expected that should move the country forward, pointing out that good leaders should always exhibit certain notable features associated with eagles which must include vision, courage and fearlessness.
Meanwhile, in a keynote address by the Ikeduru Anglican Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chigozie Maduwike, urged leaders to be contented as one of the flowers of Heaven, which calls for effective cultivation by all Christians.
The revered Bishop noted that contentment would not grow naturally in humans without learning it.
He made reference to the book of Philippians 4:11. The synod attracted a good number of personalities from both religious and political bodies.
Valentine Nduka, Owerri
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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