Sports
Ex-Athletes Want Technocrat As Commissioner
Sports stakeholders in Edo State have called on the governor to put round pegs in round holes by ensuring that a core professional is appointed as Sports Commissioner.
Our source who pleaded anonymity, blamed the immediate past administration for conducting the final burial of sports development in the state while reiterating their commitment to the all round development of sports in the state if given the material, moral and financial support.
“We are very happy that we have a governor who has indicated interest to reposition Edo State in all its ramifications. You will agree with me that sports are a strong unifying force in Nigeria. No matter your religion, culture and political affiliation, the moment there are sporting activities or a competition everybody becomes one. But here in Edo, that unifying force has been completely annihilated by the past administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Look, you do not need a prophet to tell you that sports in this state has become moribund. It is very important for us to voice out our feelings so that this present government will not make the same mistakes that its predecessor made in the area of sports development.
For Edo State to regain her past glory in sports in Nigeria, our governor must do the needful. A man who knows what sports administration is all about must and should be appointed as head of the sports ministry in the state.
Without prejudice, some of the past commissioners, especially the immediate past one, was a monumental failure, a disaster and in fact we have never had it so bad. This is why we are begging our governor to appoint someone with a sound resume to manage the Ministry so that Edo State will assume her rightful position in the Nigerian sports calendar.
“On my own part, I want to appeal to the governor to look into our condition of service. 80 percent of us have not been promoted for the past 16 years. We need an improved working condition. We voted for Godwin Obaseki because we believed in him and the party’s Change Mantra should reflect in every aspect of the state”, our source 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.
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