Sports
Bayelsa Moves To Forestall Abuse Of Stadium
The Commissioner for Sports in Bayelsa, Mr Mitemi Obordo, has urged corporate organisations to partner with the state government on sports development, to ensure unity.
The commissioner told newsmen in Yenagoa that the government had barred unauthorised persons from the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa, to ensure sanity.
Obordo said that the government’s decision would forestall the abuse of facilities at the sports arena.
He blamed the steady increase in the frequency at which facilities broke down at the complex on illegal entry by some questionable characters.
Obordo urged security men at the complex to be more alive to their responsibilities by scrutinising thoroughly, those people who besieged the sports arena.
He said that anyone caught vandalising installations at the venue would be punished.
“I want all sports officials and individuals to support this initiative of sanity, to preserve the available sports facilities; no persons caught mutilating the facilities will go unpunished.
“We will not allow hoodlums to take over the sports complex; and the state government will not stop to chase such people away until they all leave.
“The complex deserves all-round sanity to enable the government to rebuild it for the people and to take sports to a higher pedestal in the state.
“I am sure that when hoodlums are properly kept on check, these facilities will be sustained and maintained for good use.
“When one enters the complex, hoodlums will be here and there, smoking, littering and making the wrong use of the sports facilities.
“Too many of them have taken the place as their permanent home.
“There are ongoing reconstruction in the complex; I advise all hands to be on deck in ensuring that the area is well-maintained to an enviable standard,” Obordo 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.