Sports
Lagos SWAN Lauds Joshua-Akanji’s Appointment
The Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Writers Association (SWAN), Debo Oshundun, has lauded the appointment of one of its members, John Joshua-Akanji, as the Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Youth and Sports.
Oshundun, in a statement on Monday in Lagos, described the appointment of the former Editor of the Sun Newspapers as a round peg in a round hole.
He commended the Minister for his due diligence in getting a capable hand to work with and also expressed confidence in Joshua-Akanji’s ability to get the job done as the media aide to the Minister.
“Joshua-Akanji is a staunch member of Lagos SWAN and one of those younger journalists look up to as a mentor.
“We are glad that this highly-respected and experienced journalist was deemed fit by the Honourable Minister, Sunday Dare, for this very sensitive position.
“With over 25 years as a journalist, we are confident that the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Journalism and Literature in English graduate, is well suitable for the task,’’ he said.
Oshundun added that Lagos SWAN must have been doing things in the right directions for its members to have continued to play strategic roles in sports’ fraternities.
Tidesports source reports that, before the appointment of Joshua-Akanji by the Sports Minister, Patrick Omorodion was appointed Special Adviser to a former Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo.
Similarly, Nneka Anibeze, another stalwart of the Lagos SWAN, worked under the leadership of Mr Solomon Dalung.
“Joshua-Akanji had stints with Kaduna State Media Corporation, Channels Television (Freelance), Murhi Television (MITV), Star FM, National Interest Newspapers and BBC.
“The Mirror Newspapers and Sun Newspapers where he rose to become the Editor of Soccer Star and Sporting Sun,’’ 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.
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