Sports
Expert Harps On Regular Exercise
Professor Michael
Balogun, has called on governments at all levels to enforce policies that would mandate regular exercises for children in schools, to reduce cardiovascular diseases and obesity.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen during the 20th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Hypertension Society in Lagos.
Balogun, a Consultant Cardiologist in the Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, said that the plea had become necessary as many children do not have enough opportunities to exercise regularly.
“If there is no government policy that mandates every school to guarantee a certain number of minutes of exercise per child, per day, they won’t do it.
“So, the government can say that everyday, during school hours, there must be 30 minutes or one hour of exercise.
“This may be on paper, but it is not enforced as a policy.
“It needs to be enforced to help to check the health of the younger generation. Schools should also have spaces for pupils and students to play around,’’ he said.
Balogun said that exercise and physical education (PE) was a mandatory practise in times past.
“When we were young, there was a policy on exercise and physical education. It was enforced and it was mandatory that we exercise in school everyday,’’ the cardiologist said.
He said that the burden of cardiovascular diseases and obesity was becoming so heavy and needed to be solved via a collaborative partnership.
“The burden of cardiovascular diseases and obesity is on the increase. It affects the old and the young. But, it is quite worrisome, when it affects the younger population.
“ There may not be any exact statistics or data, but the prevalence is going up from 20 to 40 per cent, depending on various population groups and the environments where the studies were conducted.
“Everybody should come on board to address this issue.
“ It will involve partnerships with the government, parents, teachers, media, medical and health personnel such as doctors, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, physical and health educationists and others,’’ he said.
Balogun appealed to parents to keep their children occupied and get them moving, instead of always having them sitting and watching television.
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.