Sports
Ex-Rangers Honour Obi With Grand Patronship
Ex-Rangers International Footballers Association has honoured Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra as its Grand Patron for his outstanding contributions to sports development.
Pioneer member of Rangers and Chairman of the association, Luke Okpala, told newsmen on Thursday in Enugu that the members of ex-Rangers appreciated the numerous contributions made by Obi to the association in recent times.
“Well, I feel so happy and I feel so satisfied, that is exactly why we made him the patron because the way and manner he has handled these ex-Rangers activities for over two, three years now is unbelievable.
“He was meeting up with all our demands, even sometimes we will not demand anything and he will just call us and give us something to carry on.
“So he is a very big part and parcel of our concerns. We can never forget him; he is fantastic, he has been meeting all our demands.
“Anytime we drop a letter to him for anything, he will do and do it three or four times.
“He will first of all call me as the chairman and say, have you got any problem? If I said yes, he will ask us to come back and he will solve the problem and give us more,” Okpala said.
He said Obi had also provided an office and promised to provide a vehicle for the association.
According to him, Obi has commenced the payment of special salary for all ex-Rangers for steadfastness and outstanding performance.
The ex-Rangers chairman said the association would live to remember him for his contributions to sports development.
He appealed to other South East governors to emulate the gesture and to support the association.
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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