Sports
NJF’s Rep Promises To Dev Judo
Southwest representative of the newly inaugurated Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) board, Bolaji Yusuf, has promised to ensure development of various grades of the game at grassroots level in the geo-political zone.
Yusuf made this known last Saturday in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Tidesports source reports that Minister for Youths and Sports Solomon Dalung, inaugurated the board of NJF and 28 other Sport Federations in the country on Friday, while Gymnatsics and Taekwondo are yet to be inaugurated.
He said that the urge to expose hidden talents in the region drove him into the federation.
“There are lots of raw talents in the game of judo in every corner of the states that constitute the southwest and they need to get the required support for the world to appreciate them.
“I am going to seek necessary supports in organising competitions for cadets up to men’s championship at the grassroots so that we can always get the best for zonal, national and international events.
“There are lots of local and international competitions in Judo and I am passionate in ensuring that southwest remains a force to reckon with in the game,” he said.
The representative from Lagos State added that he would use his goodwill to draw sponsors for the development of the game at grassroots.
“I believe with goodwill, the board members and advocacy to key stakeholders, southwest Judo will be better developed under my watch.
“Government cannot do everything alone in the ongoing efforts to develop sports in the country,” he said.
On what informed his doggedness in spite of the stiff competition in the race to represent the zone, Yusuf attributed it to passion.
“I am passionate about my wish to develop Judo at the grassroots and the nation at large, so I became resolute despite the oppositions.”
Judo delegates from the six southwest states had 3-3 tie vote, three times during the June 13 Sports Federation elections between Yusuf and Musa Oshodi, immediate past-President of NJF.
Timothy Nsirim was elected President of NJF on June 13 as well as other board members but southwest representative election was postponed.
Yusuf was elected in the zonal bye-election on Thursday having got all the votes of four delegates present, which made him member of the newly inaugurated federation board.
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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