Sports
Gov Obiano Receives SOS On State Of Sports
Proprietor of Rojenny Stadium and Games Village, Oba, Idemili North Local Government Area, Rommy Ezeonwuka,has described the state of sports in Anambra as leaving much to be desired.
Ezeonwuka, the sports facility investor, who spoke to journalists in Awka yesterday, also called on Governor Willie Obiano to investigate cases of revenue accruing to the state which was being paid into private accounts.
It will be recalled that members of Trinity Sports Club, Onitsha, who protested their ejection alleged that they paid stadium rent into a private account.
Ezeonwuka said there was no structure needed for systematic development of talented athletes and development of sports in the state.
“The sports system we have now is failing Anambra people because we are known for producing world class athletes, let them tell us the talents that have produced in the last one year.
“I must say that whoever is in charge of sports in Anambra at the moment lacks the basic knowledge of what sports development should be, he has not demonstrated that he knows what he has been called to do.
“On the recent allegation of people paying government money into private account, I advise the governor to look into the matter because to the people it is not acceptable under the government of our own meticulous Gov. Obiano.
“My advice to the masses is that they should wake up and find out the truth, anybody who takes money from you and put into a private account has only defrauded you because you have not paid to the government,” he said.
Rojenny hailed the success of the maiden Onitsha City Marathon which held on Oct. 5, but regretted the absence and the role of Anambra sports administrators at the event.
He condemned the spate at which athletes of Nigerian nationality abandon their states and country and move to other countries where they compete and conquer the world.
“It irks me to know that children who come to my stadium to train here are going to take up citizenship in Bahrain and winning world championships there, it shows total negligence on the part of our sports administrators.
“On the Onitsha City Marathon, it was unfortunate that we had such an event and nobody in government was on ground to cheer them, so, I call on our governor to take a second look at events in the sports sector strongly,” he 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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News23 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business13 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Rivers12 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
News23 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers13 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers13 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH