Sports
Council’s Acting General Manager Promises All-Round Development
The Acting General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council (OSSC), Wande Fabuluje, last Monday in Akure said his priority was an all-round development of sports in the state.
Fabuluje said he would, in doing this, use his connections to bring development to the state sports council.
“I will strive to promote sports the best way I have always known, with all the sports in the state developed without neglecting one for another,” Fabuluje told Tidesporsts source.
He said he had already met with all the directors of the various 20 sports associations in the Ssorts council to begin the process of developing athletes from the grassroots.
“However, we need the help of the state government. Sports is money consuming, in terms of the equipment and facilities.
“So, we will talk with our state governor, through our sports commissioner. We know he is a sports lover, as he has been giving out awards to athletes who have done well.
“For instance, we can all remember what the wrestlers did recently, and plans have been concluded to honour them.
“But what seems to be delaying this is that the governor wants to be at the event in person. He has approved the award. So, if all the sports come back with laurels like that, they will surely be encouraged,” Fabuluje said.
He gave the assurance that most of the athletes who left for other states would surely come back before the National Sports Festival scheduled for later in the year in Abuja.
Fabuluje disclosed that discussions were underway with those who left the state to return “home”.
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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