Sports
Ekeji Promises Credibility In Sports Administration
Patrick Ekeji, Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), says the commission will pursue the restoration of credibility to sports administration in the country.
Ekeji made the pledge in Abuja at the weekend while receiving handover notes from Alhaji Sani Ndanusa, the former Sports Minister and Chairman of the NSC.
All ministers, including Ndanusa, were affected by the dissolution of the Federal Executive Council last Wednesday by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ekeji said the case of the missing 236,000 dollars at the secretariat of the Nigeria Football Federation was a matter the commission would tackle soon.
“The matter is not closed yet and the recommendations of the White Paper on the issue will be revisited and we will act accordingly,” he said.
The money was reportedly missing from the safe of the NFF on March 19 and five suspects arrested in connection with it have been arraigned.
The director-general said part of the credibility restoration was the issue of litigation regarding elections into the Board of the Nigeria Premier League.
“We have already looked into that matter and we are stepping in to ensure that we do not have a series of conflicts disrupting the smooth running of sports in our land,” he said.
Ekeji assured Ndanusa that the NSC would continue with the policies and ideas he put in place during his 14-month tenure.
“We will ensure that those policies you enunciated are continued during your short break because we know that they have helped to uplift sports in Nigeria,” he said.
The NSC director-general lauded Ndanusa for bringing about what he described as positive changes in the administration of sports.
“There are so many legacies you left behind such as the tax rebate and community sports centres.
“What you did in a short period is more than what was achieved by three past sports ministers put together,” he said.
Ndanusa, before handing over, had asked for forgiveness from all NSC staff as well as from other members of the sports family.
“Not all drivers are good but it is important that all passengers agree with him. This you did and I thank you all for bearing with me and supporting me.
“However, I apologise if there were mistakes on my part. They were not intentional but necessary in my quest to re-engineer Nigerian sports,” he said.
The former minister expressed satisfaction that he had brought about a change in sports administration during the period he was in charge.
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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