Sports
Absence Of Board Holds Up Sports Activities In Lagos
Following recent dissolution of board of the Lagos State Sports Council and its 38 sports associations, activities have been at stand still at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Yaba.
Tidesports gathered that many planned sporting competitions were postponed pending the reconstitution of a new board.
Also, the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development had been saddled with the responsibility of reconstituting the new board and the sports associations.
Some athletes and coaches, called on the Sports Ministry to expedite action on reconstituting of new board so that activities could resume.
They also urged the ministry to ensure that only people who were inclined to sports development were appointed to reverse the declining fortune of sports in the state.
Bimbo Kazeem, a basketball player said that she was not happy with the dissolution of board, saying that it stalled the bold strides being achieved in the sports sector.
She also said that athletes benefited immensely from activities of the previous board, before the dissolution and that a new board would take time to regain lost momentum.
“I urge the state government to hasten the reconstitution of the board for sporting activities to resume in Lagos.’’ Kazeem said.
Yemi Lawal, a tennis player said the incoming board should continue to promote sport development, especially at the grassroots so as to nurture new talents.
He also said that the former board neglected the welfare of athletes, which adversely affected the state’s performance at the 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt.
“I think the former board did not attach importance to welfare of athletes. That is why the state has not been performing well in recent times,’’ Lawal said.
A coach, who pleaded anonymity, said he was happy with the dissolution of the former board and was opposed to the re-appointment of many of the members of the dissolved board.
He said the board members did not do enough to attract sponsorship for local competitions to complement the efforts of the coaching department.
“The performance of the state at the last festival spoke volumes about the sorry state of affairs in the council. We need only visionary administrators in the next board,’’ the coach said.
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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