Sports
Board Member Urges Investment In Boxing
A board member of the
Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame (LSBHF) Herbert Orji, has called for private and government investment in boxing to develop the sport in the state.
Orji made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that investing in boxing would help Lagos State win more laurels in competitions, citing the upcoming 19th National Sports Festival in Calabar, Cross River, in November.
“In fact, to retain the title and win more bouts, I will ask the private sector and some government agencies to come in and increase the resources we use in training boxers.
“These resources range from boots to shorts, shirts, head gear, mouth piece protection, proper feeding, under wears, transportation, making sure that there is availability of coaches and of course the medical support.
“All these are necessary, the talents are there.
“If all these items and support systems are there, the talents will bloom and that would make it possible for Lagos State to capture even more bouts than they did.“
According to Orji, marked improvement has been recorded in the monthly Saturday boxing show since his appointment as a member of the board three years ago.
“When the Hall of Fame came in, the whole idea was not to have government alone promote boxing, but to have private sector support boxing.
“And to have independent clubs come up with their most promising fighters.
“And this event will give them the opportunity to show their talents. There has been a lot of improvement from about three years ago to two years ago and to now.
“As you can see today, some of the people, who box can actually go for international competitions.“
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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