Sports
Youth President Lauds Lawmaker Over Grassroots Football Sponsorship
A prominent youth leader and grassroots football promoter in Rivers State, Comrade Destiny Amadi, has lauded Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, member representing Omuma Constituency in the State House of Assembly.
He stated that for the lawmaker to have successfully sponsored grassroots football competition among ten Wards in Omuma Local Government Area which was concluded last Sunday was a clear testimony of a good leader.
Comrade Amadi, who could not hold back his excitement after watching Ward 5 soccer team beating her Ward 7 counterpart at the final game via penalty shootout noted that there was no doubt that Hon.Nwogu has truly demonstrated his passion for grassroots football, having continuously sponsored the Wards football tournament in Omuma over times.
The grassroots football exponent who is also the CEO of Destama integrated Nigeria Ltd. further affirmed confidence, saying that with this serious commitment of the lawmaker’s positive drive towards promotion of grassroots football in the area, he will not be surprised to see one or two players from the tournament spotted by talent chasers to join the Nigerian big league in the near future.
“Unarguably, l have seen that there are good young footballers in Omuma waiting at the wings to be grabbed and l can assure you that all they needed is just some little push, in form of encouragement to excel, which is not far from what Hon.Nwogu is presently doing.”
”However,l will urge the youths to remain focused and ensure that they channel their energy and time in doing something meaningful, instead of indulging in one social vice or the other capable of advised.
Continuing, the youth leader, and two-time sponsor of the grassroots football cup competition among 10 wards in the LGA also expressed satisfaction, not only with the massive turn out of football fans at the match venue but also the high level of discipline exhibited all through the duration of the football contest that succeeded in keeping Omuma LGA agog in the last one month.
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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