Sports
We Want To Push Nigerian Athletics Forward …Okowa
President of the Athletics Federation Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, has said that his priority was to push athletics forward, so as to enhance the development of the sport in the country.
Okowa told newsmen on Monday, at the end of the federation’s first board meeting held at the package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, that athletes’ welfare was also part of his priority.
“We have to work hard to push Nigerian athletics forward from the grassroots development, to junior and senior championships.
“The athletes’ welfare is part of the things we discussed, what we can do to put in place and to do the right thing, so that the athletes will perform well in their forth coming championships,” he said.
Okowa said the purpose of the first executive meeting of the board was to deliberate on the development of the federation.
“The outcome of the meeting is that we discussed on the areas we need to touch, especially the formation of committees and sub- committees.
“Everybody contributed to what they felt they can do and what we could do, to push the federation forward and also enhance the development of athletics in Nigeria.
“We disagreed to agree on getting the right things done and when people of like minds come together they will achieve and that’s what we are here for,” he said.
”We also discussed what happened in Kenya during the World Athletics Junior Championships and some other areas that we need to make urgent corrections and see how we can do it better.
“We went there (Kenya) we performed well and we made our country proud and we will do better when the committees are in place, then everybody will work and work hard,” he said.
At the U20 World Athletics Championships held in Nairobi, Kenya, Team Nigeria finished third on the final medals table with four gold and three bronze medals.
It would be recalled that in June 2021, the Delta State Sports Commission chairman, Tonobok Okowa, was elected President unopposed, when he polled 43 of 44 votes.
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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