Sports
FG To Make Sports Pillar Of Nation’s Economy
The Federal Government
on Wednesday in Abuja restated its resolve to tap into the enormous resources of sports by encouraging the private sector to actively participate in its development.
President Muhammadu Buhari, gave the assurance at the Dinner and Award Recognition Night to commemorate the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace.
Represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, President Buhari said government would provide the necessary incentives to enhance the financing, management and promotion of sports by the private sector.
“In the next coming years, sports will become a major pillar of the Nigerian economy.
“I want to note with satisfaction that Nigerian sports have grown in leaps and bounds, with the country’s athletes distinguishing themselves in various sports,’’ he said.
The President specifically mentioned the exploits of the female national football teams on the continent and in the globe, as well as the basketball team which won the African championship.
“There are also the achievements of Aruna Quadri and his elevation as the number one table tennis player in Africa, while a Nigerian also won the world scrabble championship.
“The nation is proud of the achievements of these athletes,’’ he said.
President Buhari further identified sports as one of the greatest unifiers which exist today.
“We are all aware of the amazing capacity of sports to bring people together in spite of different racial, social, economic or religious affinities.
“Support for football clubs cuts across age and social status. If there is a language the whole world speaks, it is the language of sports.
“This is why it is crucial that we promote and celebrate sports in communities, schools and places of work, both private and public.
“It is only sports that promotes peace and healthy living, physical development as well as economic activities all at once,’’ he 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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business20 hours agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business20 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers20 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business20 hours agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers20 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta