Sports
Abuja 2018: Okowa Prays With Team Delta, Promises N1m Award
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State yesterday in Asaba prayed with the state’s contingents (Team Delta) before their departure for the National Sports Festival billed to commence tomorrow in Abuja.
Okowa, during the prayer session at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, pledged to give the team N1 million for every gold it won at the event.
The governor also promised to give the team N500,000 and N250,000 for every silver and bronze medal respectively won at the festival.
“You have worked very hard in the last three weeks for the festival; it is time to harvest the medals.
“You are Team Delta, and remember that there is no team that will be like Team Delta, and I believe your coaches have been doing very well.
“For every gold medal you will get N1 million; so, if you are not prepared for gold, work harder to get gold.
“For every Silver medal you will have N500, 000 while every Bronze medal attracts N250, 000.
“We are the defending champion and the hands of God will bring back this trophy because, you are going to Abuja in the name of God.
“And as you go forth, the Lord will not disappoint you; you must first believe in Him and I expect you, knowing that you are the defending champion, to return victorious. Be prayerful and confident,” the governor said.
Earlier, Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Tonobok Okowa, while presenting the team to the governor, said that the sports festival would commence tomorrow.
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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