Sports
LG Boss Promises Sporting Facilities In Schools
The chairman of Okrika Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. William Tamuno, has promised to construct sporting facilities in the area to ensure that the LG maintains its top position in sports in the state.
Hon. Tamuno announced this in an interview on Wednesday at the Port Harcourt, Tourist Beach.
He disclosed that a lawn tennis court was under construction at Ogan-Ama community, assuring that the project would be completed before the end of next year.
According to him, the delay in starting sports activities in the area was occasioned by the desire to identify the problem areas and also solve them.
“Our first six months was to focus on enlightenment, orientation and community based projects.
I know that sports, culture and tourism are clear road maps for development, “ he said.”
He further revealed that by first quarter of next year, the council would organise inter-school and ward sports competition, adding that the aim was to develop grassroots sports and discover talents.
“It is not that the local government council is not doing anything to improve sports, the fact is that, we need to identify the needs of the people of the area.
It is in my developmental plan that next year, I am going to construct sporting facilities in all the secondary schools in the local government,” he stated.
Tonye Orabere/Evelyn Samuel
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.