Sports
SWAN VP Advises New Rivers Exco To Rebrand
The South-South Vice Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bonny Nyong, has advised the newly elected executive of SWAN, Rivers State Chapter to rebrand and carry every member along.
He further advised the newly elected Chairman, Jim Udede-Opiki to allow every officer function and not to usurp other officers function.
Nyong gave the advice yesterday shortly after the newly elected officers took oath of office, at Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Moscow road, Port Harcourt.
“Mr Chairman, today you have been elected as the Chairman, but remember, other officers too are elected, allow every officers to function in their various positions.
“Bring every member together, to enable SWAN Rivers wax strong and vibrant,” Nyong said.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Jim Udede-Opiki, thanked all members for the confidence reposed in him, and pledged to run all inclusive administration.
He thanked members for their support, saying that without members he cannot function as Chairman.
“I use this opportunity to thank members and promise to bring all members together to move SWAN Rivers forward.
“We will work as a team. I know, I cannot work alone. There is no losers in this election, everybody is a winner,” Opiki said.
Other officers elected are Sarah Davids as vice Chairman, Chukwudi Ejimofor, secretary, Solomon Wokoma, treasurer and Barth Ndubuwu emerged as financial secretary.
Tonye Orabere
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.