Sports
Total, NNPC Seek Sponsors For Special Athletes’ Competitions
With less than 19 days to the commencement of the 2019 World Para-powerlifting Championships. Total Nigeria and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have called on more corporate organisations to sponsor competitions for special athletes.
The Deputy General Manager (DGM), Public Affairs and Communications, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd, Charles Ebereonwu told newsmen that it became imperative for their media to support the para-powerlifters.
“Our core value is safely, performance-mindedness and integration. We want to give the special athletes love; we want to develop them positively without depending on people.
“We felt it was necessary to always support these athletes in terms of equipment and finance because they have been putting Nigeria on the world map.
“Other sponsors should come up to support these cause and help develop para-athletes in the country,” he said.
He added that they would not relent in supporting the para-powerlifters.
The championship is scheduled for January 24 to January 31 at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos.
Tidesports source reports that officials of the World Para Powerlifting Body (WPPO), led by Sam Munkley and Richardson Dillon, visited Nigeria in June, 2018 to inspect facilities for the competition.
The International Paralympics Committee sanctioned championships will serves as part of qualification for the 2020 Paralympics Games in Tokyo, Japan.
The likes of Paul Kehinde, Ezuruike Roland, Ejike Lucy, Esther Onyema will represent Nigeria at the championships.
Other sponsors are Peak Milk, Heritage Bank, Ginklate Pharmaceutical
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News20 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business10 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation22 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News20 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers10 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers10 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Rivers10 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery