Sports
Sports Director Supports Shutdown Of Sporting Activities
Director of sports, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port-Harcourt, Gospel A. Johnson, has supported the shut down of sporting activities in the country.
He stated that the action taken by the Federal Government due to the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic was not only timely but good decision aimed at protecting lives of sportsmen and women and the masses at large.
Johnson, who said this in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, on Monday, in Port Harcourt, noted that it was not a contestable fact that coronavirus disease has taken its big toll in sports all over the world.
“Honestly, every sporting activity worldwide has been kept on hold and it is regrettable that these ugly developments may lead to people indulging in one social vice or the other, since it is a well-established fact that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”.
“Worst still is that Coronavirus scourge has also affected the global economy, having seen that the huge money being realised at league games are not forthcoming as a result of suspension of all competitive league games,” Johnson said.
The director of sports, expressed satisfaction with the decision taken by the Federal Government, but stated that efforts should be intensified to provide some palliative measures to help cushion the untold hardship being faced by mostly people in the rural areas.
“Truly, people in the rural areas need to be reached with some assistance, considering the fact the there are little or no amenities they can comfortably lay hands on to prevent the virus disease.
Regrettably, people in the rural areas could hardly boast of running water, how much more of buying sanitizers and that is more reason why Federal Government should assist state governments to enable them reach out easily to people in the rural areas in providing the essential amenities.
“Nevertheless, I’m seizing the opportunity to advise every one in the country to do well as a matter of fact to adhere strictly to government directives by maintaining the social distance rule, avoid crowd situation and ensure that hands are washed with running water and soap”.
“In fact, I strongly believe that by the time all thess directives from government are properly followed accordingly, then we can now leave the rest for God to intervene as nothing is impossible before Him”.
“Besides, I’m also praying that Local Government area Chairmen in various rural areas in the State will rise up to the occasion in sensitising their people more on the best way and manner to go about curtailing the spread of Coronavirus pandemic”, the sports director added.
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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