Sports
LSBBA Wants Corporate World In Grassroots Sports Dev
The Chairperson, Lagos State Basketball Association (LSBBA), Barbara Harper, yesterday called on the corporate world to key into the development of youths by sponsoring grassroots’ events.
Harper told newsmen that the associations had big plans to engage youths by organising several back to back events, but that paucity of funds might hinder them.
She said: “We need the corporate world to key into our events and sponsor our programmes, outlined for the year as it concerns the development of our youths.
“Already, in the space of two months, we have organised the youth Basketball League which ended on a very high note.
“Now we are back with the Eko Basketball League which is the rebranded Lagos City Basketball League to dunk off June 23 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
“With the support of the corporate world and many well-wishers of the sport, we can do so much and achieve a lot.’’
The chairperson said that with a viable competition, youths would have chance to showcase their God- given potential.
“We are grooming quality players that can fit into the senior/junior national levels, the national sports festival and most importantly, be able to get the attention of international scouts.
“With a viable competition, the young players would be able to showcase their qualities and get noticed.
“We have approached Lagos State Sports Council for support, but they have urged us to seek support from the corporate world because of paucity of funds.
“This is why we look up to the corporate/private, parents, well-wishers to come to our aid and throw their weight on our programmes.’’
Tidesports source reports that the Eko Basketball League which will dunk off on June 23 comprises eight elite teams competing for the boys’ category.
The teams include Hoops and Read, Nigeria Customs, Raptors, Police Batons, Dodan Warriors, NAF Rockets, Flames and VGC.
“In the girls’ category, we have First Deep Water, First Bank, Dolphins, MFM, IGP Queens and Raptors constituting the six teams registered for the event.”
Tidesports source gathered that there will also be an introduction of the Eko Youth League for the U-13 and the U-16 categories for the junior teams.
This is expected to run for three months for all the registered academies in Lagos State.
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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