Sports
RSG Happy To Encourage, Partner Private Investors In Sports
The Rivers State Government has stated its readiness to encourage and partner with private investors in sports development in the state, especially, at the grassroots level. This position was reiterated on Tuesday when the president and management of a grassroots football club, Willbros FC of Port Harcourt paid a courtesy visit on the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye.
While reacting to the speech of the club’s President, Capt. Adedoyin Williams, the Commissioner said that their venture fits in to the Rivers State curriculum for sports development and that the government was willing to support private individuals, who use their resources to contribute to the development of sports and youth empowerment in the state. He commended the club and Capt. Williams for contributing to the positive engagement of youths who ordinarily may have become a nuisance on the streets of the state.
According to Hon. Iyaye, “What you are doing is massive. I am impressed with the vision of your club and what you have achieved in so short a time of coming on stream’’.
He urged the club’s founder not to rest on his oars but to sustain the passion and commitment he has for grassroots and youth development through the grooming of young talents.
The commissioner further assured the club of government’s collaboration and synergy between it and Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt.
“This collaboration, he said, “Will work and you’ll benefit from the fruits of your labour. We’ll help you take your efforts and story beyond the shores of Rivers State. Also, your players would go beyond the state and country and they will surely remember where they began their journey’’.
Earlier, the club president had said that the thrust of their visit was to seek ways of strong partnership with the sports ministry and assistance to lessen their challenges, which he believed would embolden grassroots football in the state.
He made some request from the ministry including approval for the use of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium as the official match venue and training ground, all of which were approved by the Commissioner.
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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