Sports
President Reward For Excellence Key To Spots Improvement
Chairman House Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaiya, said Nigeria’s improved performance in international competitions could have been stirred by the resolve of President Goodluck Jonathan to reward excellence.
Gaya made this assertion in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
“It’s a departure from the past where promises were made and were never redeemed but we thank God for President Jonathan who believes that the sacrifices of these athletes must not go in vain.
“I believe President Jonathan means well for those who have distinguished themselves to represent this country.
“Nigeria is such a wonderful country that if you do well, the country will not forget you and I think that is the most important message that has been lacking.
“Now we have seen that message put to effective implementation will do well for the country and nobody will forget you.’’
Gaya also attributed the successes of Nigeria to the committee’s commitment to sports development.
“The committee was challenged to perform its oversight functions considering the importance of sports to the wellbeing of the country.
“It is the seriousness the committee attached to sports development in the country that paved the way for the success the country recorded at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa.
“Sport has become so critical to the wellbeing of Nigeria that anybody that wants to excel in this country should never overlook it.
“It’s an important unifying factor that any government must key into to bring a better understanding that this country desires.
He said that the committee had gone round the country to ensure that facilities were in place for potential athletes and sportsmen.
Gaya said that this would ensure that established facilities were not allowed to rot because if they did, it simply meant that athletes had no place to go.
“So, I am always very happy whenever they call me committee chairman on sports because I know that if Nigeria is doing well today in sports nobody talks about religion, origin or tribe,’’ Gaiya 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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