Sports
Gov Rewards Best African Badminton Player
Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun has rewarded the best African Badminton player, Miss Dorcas Adesokan with a cash prize of N5 million for her outstanding performance in the game.
Presenting the cheque yesterday in Abeokuta, the governor,represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Afolabi Afuape, said the money was meant to boost Adesokan’s career and encourage her.
He said that such achievement should not go “un-recognised”, saying that athletes such as Adesokan needed constant flow of income to survive.
Amosun also said it was for the same reason that she was given an automatic employment in December 2017.
The governor also said the money would assist in preparing Adesokan for the upcoming 2020 Olympics and other international competitions.
‘’Presently, Adesokan is the best badminton player in Africa and I want to encourage other athletes to emulate and follow her footstep.
‘’The present administration will continue to support outstanding athletes who have gone all out to make the state proud.
“Beyond that, the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the state Sports Council will continue to discover more talents, monitor and nurture them to stardom,” Amosun said.
He also assured that the state government would not rest on its oars to discover more talents, nurture and monitor them to stardom.
Responding, Adesokan thanked the governor for his gesture and commended the ministry for its support in nurturing her to her current level.
She promised that the money would be used judiciously, saying that it was a great booster toward her preparations for the Olympics.
“This money will be a great booster to my career and toward the preparation for the upcoming 2020 Olympic
“I will like to appreciate the Governor, the Commissioner, the Director of the Sports Council and in particular, my coach for being able to discover me on time,’’ Adesokan said.
The athlete also lauded them for their effort in tracking and monitoring her progress.
Also speaking, the Head Coach of Badminton, who doubles as Adesokan’s coach, Mr Adewale Olasunkanmi commended her for her consistency, hard work and focus.
Olasunkanmi commended the governor for the financial support to the athlete and urged other athletes representing the state in one sporting activities or the other to be up and doing.
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.