Sports
Enthusiast Seeks Involvement Of Philanthropists In Grassroots Sports
A football enthusiast, Mr Richard Omodara, has called for more involvement of businessmen and philanthropists in the discovery of talents from the grassroots through youth engagement in sporting activities.
Omodara made the call at the ongoing Golden Tosrich Football League Cup competition, last Monday in Akure.
Tidesports source gathered that the league, which is the 12th edition of Tubaba Football Competition, is being sponsored by Omodara.
Omodara said that he decided to sponsor the competition, which began on October 17 in Ondo State, as part of his contributions to the development of the game at the grassroots level.
He appealed to other well-meaning individuals to also get involved in the task of taking youths off the streets by investing in sports, generally.
“It is an opportunity for the youth to showcase the talents which God has deposited in them for the glory of the state and the country at large.
“It is also an avenue for me and my crew to identify with the youth at the grassroots and give back to the society in our own little way,” he said.
Omodara stated that government could not do it alone, adding: “that is why I decided to come in as a private individual to contribute my own quota to the development of the round leather game in the state.”
Also speaking, another football enthusiast, Saliu Adekunle, commended the organisers for putting together a befitting grassroots football league at this time.
“I see talent everywhere in the state and the only way to develop them and bring them into stardom is through competitions of this nature.
“This is the 12th edition of the competition, and to the glory of God, a lot of talents had been discovered on this same Housing/Ijapo field,” he said.
He, however, called on all football lovers in the state to join hands with interested individuals to discover, develop and nurture talented players to the peak of their chosen career.
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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