Sports
Royal Father Hails Wike Over Sports Award
The Power of Sports Award given to Governor Nyesom Wike by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), has continued to generate reactions among sports lovers within and outside the state.
This latest came from the Paramount ruler of Woji Community, Eze Oha Evo III, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Leslie Eke when he spoke with Tidesports at Woji in Obio/Apkor Local Government Area of Rivers State at the weekend.
He said the governor merited the award after he hosted the African Wrestling Championship (AWC) in the state, recently.
Eze Eke, noted that such display of sports development gave him international recognition by organisations like AIPS.
Supporting the views of former South African President, Nelson Madela that sports has the power to change the world, he said that Governor Wike has marketed the state to the world through sports development.
The Woji / Evo kingdom monarch, who lauded the decision of the group over nomination of Wike for the award, said it has proven that sports can bring both peace and unity to the world.
Noting that the prestigious AIPS award had been given to about four persons at the global level which include the Rivers State Governor and the immediate past president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge of Belgium.
He maintained that the record vividly explained how important and prestigious the award was in the eye of the world.
The monarch recalled that the AIPs was over nine decades old, added that they should do more to sports development in Africa.
He has also called on Governor Wike not to rest on his oars, but to continue to raise the bar of sports in the state.
It would be recalled that the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike received the Power of Sports Award by AIPS on May 9, 2018 in Brussels Belgium in recognition of his dogged determination towards sports development in Nigeria.
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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.