Sports
FG Distributes Sports Equipment To Primary Schools
The Federal Government
will soon distribute sports equipment to about 1,000 primary schools nationwide, the Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), Habu Gumel, said in Abuja on Sunday.
Gumel said that at least nine primary schools will benefit from the programme in each senatorial district of the country.
“This will result from the contract agreements worth $3.7 million, which the Federal Government signed with Messrs China Sports International Co. Ltd. and Messrs CAAN Sports Organisations Ltd. of Turkey to supply sports equipment to schools.
“Messrs China Sports International Co. Ltd. of China signed contracts worth about $2.8 million dollars, while Messrs CAAN Sports Organisations Ltd, Turkey signed contracts worth $914,967.10 dollars,’’ he said.
Gumel said the contracts involved the supply of various branded sports equipment covering nine types of sports designed for public primary schools.
“The equipment are athletics, volleyball, football, handball, badminton, table tennis, basketball, judo and taekwondo,’’ he said.
The Lottery Trust Fund executive secretary said the companies had met due process requirements under the Public Procurement Act of 2007, which led to the contracts being awarded to them.
Gumel said the programme was to enhance NLTF’s vision of promoting social activities among all Nigerians.
“This is as defined by our mandate and driven through our intervention policy and strategy,’’ he said.
Gumel said he was hopeful the programme would be a significant boost to the lottery industry and business, adding that it would also promote the country’s grassroots sports development.
“The objective of the programme is to enhance the capacity to grow and expand the nation‘s talent-base by securing the interest of children of primary schools in sporting activities,’’ he said.
The executive secretary said the contract agreement marked the launching of the implementation of 2014 “Good Cause Intervention Programme’’.
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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