Sports
LASG To Introduce Traditional Sports In Schools
Chairman, Lagos State Traditional Sports Association, Mrs Abiola Ogunbiyi, last Tuesday said the state would introduce traditional sports in schools in the state to improve students’ mental alertness.
Ogunbiyi, who became chairman of the association five months ago, told Tidesports source in Lagos that the association was currently working on creating awareness on the benefits of embracing the sports.
She said athletes who would be deployed to schools to train students and pupils were equally undergoing training after which the sports would be introduced to schools.
According to her, the sports should be introduced to children in schools because each of the sports like Abula, Ayo, Langa, Kokowa and Dambe had some intellectual and health benefits which children must tap from.
“We are planning to introduce these traditional sports to both public and private schools within the state.
“This will groom the children to improve their mental alertness, speed, stamina and strength, while the spirit of team building will equally be improved on.
“Ayo plays the part in improving mental alertness; Kokowa which is local wrestling will improve children speed and strength while Abula known as volleyball strengthens team building.
“All these will play out in their academics when they begin to develop themselves on the sports as soon as they are introduced to them.
“We are considering leaving Ayo out for children below seven years of age because of the fear of mistakingly swallowing the seeds.
“We know most parents and adults do not know the benefits of embracing the sports, so, we are presently creating awareness, going to schools, churches, social gatherings and all to do this,” she said.
Ogunbiyi urged Lagos citizens to embrace the sports as they were indigenous sports and they revolve round the culture of the state, adding that each of the sports had worked positively for the ancestors.
She said the association was working tirelessly to compliment the state government’s effort at making the state a sports hub for Africa.
“We have to go through the process of creating awareness to talent hunt, then to nurturing the talents to ensure that the sports take their pride of place in the state.
“Lagos residents must embrace and grow these sports because they suit our nature and culture.
“These sports are well embraced in the francophone countries and they are money spinners for them, we should be able to do the same here,” she said.
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.