Sports
Sports Commissioner Inaugurates Committee For Sports Dev
In a bid to develop sports in Rivers State, the State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye has inaugurated a seven-man inter-ministerial special committee on sports development, in his office, yesterday in Port Harcourt.
Hon. Iyaye charged the committee members to work out a blueprint on how to promote and develop other sports in the state.
According to him, the committee is mandated to work out how primary, secondary schools competition would be organised as well as inter-local government sports competitions.
“This committee is primarily inaugurated to work out a comprehensive blueprint on how to develop and promote other sports in the state.
Your report should also include how to organise primary and secondary schools sports competition as well as inter-local government competition. This will improve grassroots sports development”, Hon. Iyaye said.
The sports ministry boss explained that it is not that the ministry does not promote and develop other sports in the state.
“The insinuation in the sports world saying that the ministry does not promote and develop other sports is not correct, because we have facts and evidence that show that every month, the ministry spends money for sports like boxing, kickboxing Torekwando etc to attend competitions outside the state”, he stated.
He equally said that it is not true that the ministry concentrates on only football, but the fact is that there is no way athletics and football will get the same attention.
“Another problem is that the failure to host National Sports Festival (NSF) also affected the development of other sports generally in the country.
But in Rivers State, we will continue to develop and promote other sports”, he added.
The commissioner further gave the committee on or before 30th of this month to submit its report.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the committee who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir Michael Nnodi, said the committee’s inauguration came at the right time, to properly engage the youths meaningfully.
Sir Nnodi pledged that his committee will effectively and efficiently abide by the stipulated date.
Other members of the committee are Joshua J. Kio, Director of Sports Institute, Nathaniel Piaro, Director of Sports Council, Nwaka, Ag. Director of Stadium Authority, Pst. Austin Jonah, Head of Sports Unit (MOE) while, Godwin Ogan, Director of Sports Development will serve as secretary.
Tonye Orabere
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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