Sports
SWAN Wants Fayemi To Revive Sports
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ekiti State chapter yesterday urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to transform and revive sports in the state.
The association made the appeal in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Ayodeji Ogunsakin and Secretary, Mr Qozeem Oladapo in Ado-Ekiti.
The association congratulated Fayemi on his inauguration and assumption of office as the Executive Governor of Ekiti the State for the second term.
Members of the association appealed to the governor to include the transformation of the sports sector in his mission and vision for the state.
“As a body of sport journalists, it is our expectation that you will use your good office to transform the sports sector to enviable heights,” the association said.
SWAN said the transformation was necessary for the state to regain its pride of producing sportsmen and women that had made the state and the nation proud at national and international tournaments.
“We enjoin your excellency to make those people who have the genuine passion and experience in sports to be in charge of sports sector.
“This will guarantee sports development and as well take the talented youths out of the streets and curb other social habits and vices among Ekiti youths.
“It is our prayer that God will guide your administration and make your transformation dream on the state come to reality.”
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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