Sports
Director Tasks NAATO Members On Sports Development
The director of Sports Institute, Isaka, Rivers State, Joshua Kio has urged members of Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO) to put more effort to develop and promote track and field events in sports.
Kio gave the charge while speaking as the chairman of the occasion during the inauguration of five patrons of the association and end of year ceremony, at the boardroom of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex on Wednesday, in Port Harcourt.
According to him, sports development has gone the drains all over the country, adding that it is imperative that everybody joins hands to ensure that sports development reach its peak, most especially track and field.
“Sports development has gone the drains in this country. Everybody should join hands to ensure that track and field progress” Kio said.
He further called on the members of the association to fall in line with what is obtainable internationally, in terms of officiating.
“You and I know that incompetent officials in any competition detabilises the tournament. I used this forum to urged you to put in your best in officiating.”
Am sure you also know that any state that has poor sports administration will definitely crubble”, he stated.
Kio, who was also the former director of sports in the state used the forum to thank those who brought NAATO to the state, saying that he is happy that the body is inaugurated in Rivers State.
Speaking, the chairman of the association in the state, Belema Dakoru appeal to the patrons to assist them when members will sit for their basic training and qualifying examination next week.
Dakoru used the forum to thank NAATO members for the confident and trust they repose on the executives.
At the end of the occasion, Ntehue J.A. Mekebe inaugurated three patrons who are present, they are: Dr. George Ogan, Sir Daobu Harvest Harry and Chief Nemi Wisdom Adoki.
Tonye Orabere
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.