Sports
Philanthropist Seeks Grassroots Sports Development In Enugu
The sponsors of the ongoing “ Prince Victor Uwakwe 2019 Tennis Tournament’’ in Enugu, Prince Victor Uwakwe, has called for all round grassroots sports development in the state.
Uwakwe made the call in Enugu yesterday at the venue of the tournament, Enugu Sports Club Tennis Courts, saying that sports was backward in the state and needed improvement.
He said that those who had vision and passion for sports should come in and stage competitions in the sport of their choice.
“Government cannot improve sports alone and to make a better tomorrow, we must start planning today.
“That is what we are doing here and lots of sports in the state are still vulnerable and philanthropist can engage the youth and discover talents,’’ he said.
Uwakwe noted that the ongoing tennis tournament for U-15 and U-21 players is in the third edition.
“We started this tournament in 2016 and here we are, it has continued to grow from strength to strength.
“The tournament is open for South-East states comprising, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu.
“It is purely for U-15 and U-21 tennis players to showcase their God-given talent in tennis,’’ he said.
Uwakwe said that he decided to expand the tournament to accommodate other states to make it more competitive.
“Our tennis tournament is growing because this time around there are much more competitions than years back.
“We want to produce future champions for the state and the country at large,’’ the sponsor said.
He expressed optimism that invitation would be extended to the South-West states of the country in the next edition.
On why he chose tennis, he said that his passion for the sports motivated him.
“I have passion and love for tennis, besides, it makes people to be disciplined all round,’’ he said.
Uwakwe noted that they had some challenges facing the organisation of the tournament and promised not to relent.
“We are having the challenges of public enlightenment and finance but at times we do mop up funds from friends to keep the tournament going,’’ Uwakwe said.
He said that he would be the happiest person seeing the tennis players going all the way to become the country’s champions and at the world stage.
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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