Sports
Royal Father Tasks LGs On Sports Dev
Local government councils in Nigeria, especially, Rivers State have been urged to contribute afffectively toward sports development by drawing up a plan that would enable the youth discover their talents in various areas of sports.
This call was made by a traditional ruler in Rivers State, His Royal Highness, Eze Abella Benson in an interview with Tidesports at the weekend.
He also stressed the need for the councils to build standard venues for promotion of sporting activities from the grassroot in the state.
He explained that the measure would go along way to reduce restiveness among youths as their energies would be channeled to useful ventures especially sports activities.
According to him, some of the youths in the rural communities are sports talented, adding that lack of encouragement has buried their talents in the mud.
Eze Benson who is the traditional ruler of Obagi community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government area wants the council chairmen to give special attention to promoting traditional wrestling in the local government areas.
Apart from Rivers State Arts and Culture, there is no other organisation or body in the state that encouraged wrestling in the rural areas in the state.
It is one of the sporting activities that budding talents can be discovered in the local government areas in the state,” Eze Benson said. The Obagi monarch further disclosed that wrestlers all over the world, make more money than their counterparts in other sports pointing out that the encouragement of such sports would reduce unemployment and poverty among the youths in the rural communities.
Eze Benson commended the state governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi over the development and upliftment of the state through sports, and urged the council chairmen to emulate the state governor.
Isaac Nwankwo
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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