Sports
Philanthropist Promises To Promote Grassroots Sports
Grassroots sports promoter and developer in Nigeria, Chief Ezedimoura, the Ugonabo of Ichida has promised to continue to support and promote sporting activities in the country most especially the Independent Grassroots Sports Development Association (IGSDA).
He stated that developing sports is part of him, because he has passion for it, as it will in turn develop the country.
Chief Ezedimoura said this shortly after he was given an award of Distinguished Sports Personality by IGSDA, at the weekend in his Port Harcourt office.
According to him, he started developing and promoting grassroots sports, especially football in 1973, adding that some of the prominent footballers in Nigeria then passed through his Super Stars FC, in Anambra State.
“I am really grateful for this award given to me, no matter how little it is, but the most important thing is the recognition and content of the award.
As a person I like promoting and developing sports, because it will in turn develop the country, besides, it will also go a long way to curb youth restiveness, by engaging the youth meaningfully” Chief Ezedimoura said.
The grassroots sports promoter who is also the sponsor of Ezedimoura Football Tournament, in Ichida, Anambra State revealed that the football tournament would take place during Easter period this year.
Earlier, president of IGSDA Amb. Miebi S. Ogunu said the award was given to Chief Ezedimoura in recognition of his enormous contributions towards humanity, patriotism, and Development of sports at the grassroots level.
Amb. Ogunu used the forum to appeal to Ezedimoura for financial assistance to enable the association organise sports development conference, scheduled to hold June this year.
According to him, the conference is geared towards tackling the challenges hindering grassroots sports development.
“We discovered that the challenges confronting grassroots sports in Nigeria are lack of competition, incompetent coaches and education” Amb. Ogunu said.
He further appealed to other corporate organisations and well meaning individuals to emulate Chief Ezedimoura in terms of supporting sports development in Nigeria.
Tonye Orabere
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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