Sports
School Sports Boss Hails Wike, Sirawoo
Special Adviser on School Sports to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, Aribitonye M. Okiri, has commended the governor and the national President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Honour Sirawoo for attracting the World Congress of AIPS to Port Harcourt.
The World Congress of AIPS is the biggest convention of the entire sportswriters in the world(over 200 countries) at a place to discuss the developments of sports journalism scheduled to hold October this year, this will put the garden city of Nigeria on international sports focus.
The Special Adviser disclosed this yesterday, while addressing Sports Desk Officers of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education (UBE) in his office.
According to him, “the future belongs to the children and youths so we owe it a duty to train their bodies and minds for greater engagements”.
Okiri noted that school sports involves young, growing children and so we can start now to engage them adequately and assist to take them away from anti-social vices such as cultism, examination malpractices, gangsterism and drug abuse.
“ Sports is a powerful tool for building the minds of young ones and help to prepare them for higher tasks in the future, thus people in positions of authority have been advised to engage the youths properly and help raise a more dependable society,” Okiri said.
He equqlly said that the governor is concerned about the up bringing of Rivers children through sports, adding that they can be raised to develop love for the great virtues of life such ad hard work, honesty, love for God and develop self and also be respectful to elders.
Okiri, who was also a former state athlete, charged the UBE officials, led by the state Sports Officer, Alabo Fubara to partner with his office and execute programmes that would profit the youths and enable them to appreciate the importance of sports.
“They should understand the importance of sports, which emphasises a healthy mind in a healthy body, leading to a better society where the youths become better players and leaders,” he concluded.
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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