Sports
Army, Police ‘Vacate Zimbabwe Diamond Fields’
Zimbabwean security forces have started withdrawing from the country’s eastern diamond fields to meet Kimberley Process reforms over human rights abuses, the government said Thursday.
Mines Minister Obert Mpofu said Zimbabwe had complied with more than 90 percent of the requirements set by the global watchdog Kimberley Process, which monitors trade in conflict diamonds.
“We have done a lot since the last review by the (Kimberley Process) as part of our efforts to comply with their recommendations as well as towards achieving and fulfilling compliance,” the state-run Herald quoted Mpofu as saying.
“As is evident at these fields, there are no army officers or police” units, he said during a government tour on Wednesday.
Early this month, Zimbabwe escaped a Kimberley ban despite calls for the country to be suspended and the scheme’s own citation of “unacceptable and horrific violence against civilians by authorities” in the eastern Marange diamond fields.
The global scheme gave Zimbabwe a June 2010 deadline to make reforms to comply with global regulations, rejecting a recommendation by its own investigators made four months ago that Harare face a six-month suspension.
The withdrawal of the army and police comes as the government has licensed two South African firms to operate in Marange.
A representative for the investors said 200 private security guards had replaced the security officials.
“We are taking control of all areas that we have claimed but still working with state security agents in areas where we are still exploring. But they will move as soon as we have secured those areas,” Dave Kassel was quoted as saying in the Herald.
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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