Sports
Tournament Sponsor Moves To Achieve Unity
Sponsor of the ongoing football tournament tagged Mater Football competition, Engineer Innocent Akuvue, has said that his aim of sponsoring the competition is to unite people.
Akuvue made the statement at the weekend during the opening ceremony of the tournament held at the Mater Misericordiae football pitch, Rumuomasi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State.
According to him, his interest and inclination to sponsor the tournament was based on the fact that football was veritable tool for unity.
“ In fact, the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) and other groups at Mater Misericordia’s of Catholic Church have been bonding for several decades through football,” Innocent Akuvue said.
He maintained that football was a unifying factor, adding that it is all about people buying into what they consider worthwhile.
“It is all about people buying into what they consider worthwhile. You just have to remind those who have the spirit and passion to give and encourage others to maintain the moment,” he added.
He expressed optimism that sooner or later corporate sponsor would identify with some of the participating teams in the competition and stressed on the need for branding.
The sponsor who is an ex- footballer and currently a member of Python International Golf Club Port Harcourt (1987) promised to sponsor more sporting events.
“In recent past, l have sponsored other sporting events in this country. However, l will continue to inspire and motivate footballers and athletes both on and off the pitch,” Akuvue pledged.
Also speaking, Chairman, CMO of Mater Misericordiae, Sir, Nnamdi Azike, said that the competition was not a win at all costs, rather an avenue to promote unity and brotherhood.
“Our football competition is not a win at all costs. It is an opportunity to bring our people together. This competition is not a do or die affair,” Azike stated.
He promised that the next edition of the tournament would be bigger and higher saying that something will be done urgently to improve the playing turf of the venue of the matches.
He commended the sponsor of the competition for his inspiration and philanthropic gesture.
“On behalf of the CMO, l want to use this opportunity to thank Engineer Innocent Akuvue and others for their contributions and efforts towards the progress of this competition,” Nnamdi Azike added.
By: Nancy Briggs
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.