Sports
Commission Wants Better Life For Edo Athletes
The Chairman, Edo Sports Commission, Mr Godwin Dudu-Orumen on Monday said that the state government would endeavour to ensure that sportsmen and women live well after their sports life.
Dudu-Orumen gave the athletes the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Benin.
He noted that the state would also ensure that sportsmen and women continued to be relevant and add to Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the state.
“We will have structures and a system in place that the sportsmen and women do not need to worry when their best is gone.
“We want sporting activities to have effects on the economy of the state and we do not want the athletes to become liability to the state when they are not in active sports life.
“I urge the public to join me, men and women of Edo to respond to this new direction and new message of hope,’’ Dudu-Orumen said.
He said that sports creates hope when there was despair or pain and that sport creates love among the people.
He noted that the commission was doing its best to reposition sports in the state and meet the expectation of Governor Godwin Obaseki who had private sector background.
“The Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, also has his enthusiasm and experience. It’s my duty to harness strength that I get from my two bosses to ensure that sports in Edo are properly positioned,” he said.
The chairman noted that the state had put in place programmes and policies that would help it to reclaim its number one position in sports.
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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