Sports
Sport Is A Catalyst For Peace – Akanni
Ex-international, Waidi Akanni, yesterday said sport remained one of the most viable tools to drive unity in any organisation and the country.
Akanni, general coordinator of Adron Games 2021, said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said the forthcoming Adron Games 2021, by Adron Homes and Properties, would foster team spirit in the organisation, just as sport could be used to promote peace and unity in the country.
He said the company had been organising the competition among its staff across the country for the past five years to promote unity and peace in the work space, and urged other companies and organisations to do same.
“Adron Games tagged ‘Be Fit for the Top’ has become a festival all employees look forward to; other corporate organisations can take on this initiative.
“This year, it is going to be bigger as we have introduced more teams from the different branches of Adron Homes and Properties,” he said.
He added that the staff of the real estate company would slug it out among themselves, with each team representing a continent.
The Gateway continent, headquarter continent, Island and mainland continents, among others will go to the battle field when the event takes centre stage.
Akanni said some schools had been invited to participate in the competition, which would hold from November 18 to November 20 at the Gateway Stadium, Sagamu in Ogun.
According to him, no fewer than 700 athletes, representing the company and some selected schools, will jostle for honours in football, athletics, wrestling and other sports.
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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