Sports
C’River To Encourage Athletes With Scholarships
Boys and Girls in Cross River State who excel in sporting competitions are to be awarded scholarship to university level as encouragement and appreciation of their prowess.
Governor Liyel Imoke disclosed this while declaring open the five days First Cross River State Primary/Secondary Schools Sports Championship at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, adding that all those that excel at the championship will be provided with all that will assist them to progress.
According to Imoke, these include scholarships throughout their education, boarding accommodation in schools and facilities to enhance their performance, advising the participants to read and write because the essence of the competition is to encourage those who excel in sports and academic while thanking local government chairmen for ensuring that the preliminary stages of the championship were held in their areas.
The governor enjoined local government councils to emulate the programme and celebrate those who excel in the championship in their respective areas because when the programme is fully operational it will be one of the best in the nation that will produce great talents of the world
He disclosed that government is planning with its consultant to initiate a comprehensive sport development in the state and called on all stakeholders to take the championship seriously and make it an annual event starting from inter house competition which is a good take off pad for greater heights, adding that officiating officials should adhere to international recording of time and expectation.
Imoke noted that the championship will not only produce the best but will act as a model and for young talented boys and girls to compete in competitions in Nigeria and beyond, saying that it marked the opening of a sport calendar and the beginning of something great as those who excel will be provided with all that will assist them to progress.
Professor Offiong E. Offiong, commissioner for Education in a good will address, not that in 2009, the state participated in the National School Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State and it won 9 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze medals and that the Ministry was planning to hold a reception for the victorious contingent for making the state proud.
Offiong added that the ministry is fully poised to encourage sporting activities in school.
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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