Sports
Chairman Laments Dwindling Sports Sponsorships In Rivers
The Chairman, Rivers
State Tennis Association (RSTA), Mr. Isaac Uzorma, has opined that sports generally have declined in Nigeria and Rivers State in particular due to lack of sponsorships, facilities as well as non-introduction of games at the grassroots and schools.
Mr. Uzorma, who is also a board member of the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) made the assertion in a chat with our correspondent in his office at Port Harcourt Club recently. He noted with regret that there is no longer physical and health educationin most schools while others do not have modern facilities for training and competitions.
Uzorma lamented that it is a cause for worry that companies, corporate organizations and spirited individuals that used to help government sponsor sports had all withdrawn due to lack of interest and government insensitivity to their contributions, and appealed to governments to redirect their policies and encourage companies and others that sponsor sports competitions. He added that such sports activities would engage the youth positively, reduce unemployment, criminality and youth restiveness, as it is an industry that could check insecurity in the county and states.
According to hi, in the 70’s and 80’s, Nigeria and Rivers State in particular excelled in all sporting activities nationally and internationally due to sponsorships by companies, and availability of facilities, and further enjoined all to development interest on youth for the future good of the nation.
On tennis in the state, the Association Chairman noted that a remarkable achievement was recorded in the past five years as a result of the intervention of the Former Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Late Rt. Hon. Tonye harry through his tennis academy, pointing out that through the foundation, a lot of budding tennis players were discovered and trained to stardom. They also made Rivers State proud in the past two National Sports Festivals on the medal table.
there had been no sponsors for the sport.
Unfortunately, Total E and P that sponsored two junior tennis tournaments in 2012 and 2013 had since backed out for explicable reasons”.
But the good news is that for the first time in the Rivers State Tennis Association, two players, Clifford Onosoroegbe and Aanu Ayebuesi (reserved player) have been selected to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming National Sports Festival holding in Congo, and stressed that with sponsors and better facilities, Rivers State would bounce back to glory.
He called for construction of more mini stadiums and recreational facilities all over the State to encourage sports development as well as appoint credible, capable, and an experienced person as Commissioner for sports and not Commissioner for football in the state.
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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