Sports
Coordinator Tasks Secondary, Tertiary Institutions On Sport
The National Coordinator and Technical Director, Race walking event, Samuel Babatoba yesterday urged secondary schools games masters and sports officials in institutions of higher learning to embrace the sport.
Babatoba, a certified Level Four Coach in race walk, told newsmen in Lagos that athletes should be given the opportunity to feature in the event.
The coordinator said that race walk would give athletes better chance of exhibiting their skills, noting that those from the northern part of Nigeria had better body mass for the walk.
According to him Nigerian athletes should create the passion for long distance events, especially race walk.
“Some of them see it as a new event but it is old; they have better chance with the race.
“People are familiar with sprints and we have seen how far we can go; if any of them can embrace race walk, it could be a way for them to excel in sport.
“And it is only when they try that they will discover their ability. I implore them to please come, develop interest, have the passion and let us see the beauty of the race.
“The race, to some people, is a normal way that you can walk anyhow for fitness; but to me, it is a competitive walk that has techniques,’’ Babatoba said.
Babatoba said that it was easier for marathoners to embrace race walk, adding that the techniques would be the first thing to be mastered.
The coordinator, who demonstrated the event at the 2017 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) Games in Makurdi, said he was happy with the association’s decision to feature the event at the next edition.
“I am happy that some athletes who participated in NUGA Games have been showing interest that they want to try the event,’’ he said.
Tidesports source gathered that race walking is a long-distance discipline within the sport of athletics.
Although it is a foot race, it is different from running in that one foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times.
This is assessed by race judges and it is typically held on either roads or on running tracks, common distances vary from 3,000m up to 100 km.
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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