Sports
RSG Pledges To Rebuild Sports Institute
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its determination to support the Sports Institute of Rivers State (SIRS), Isaka to regain its lost glory as the school held its first Inter-House Sports competition after two decades.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Honour Sirawoo, made the assertion during the 7th Inter-House sports competition of the Institute held at the Sports Arena, Isaka, in Okrika Local Government Area over the weekend.
Sirawoo, the chief guest of Honour, who was represented by Collins Amadi of the state authority said the institute as a parastatal will not be abandoned in terms of facilities.
He assured that the Ministry of Sports will ensure that the institute was given its rightful place especially in sports and others and formerly declared the competition open.
In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, Chief Aribitonye Okiri, who is also the special adviser to the Governor on School Sports Development, said the institute which represented sports and academic pursuit had written its name in gold adding that the Rivers State Government is determined to establish schools sports programme.
Okiri, who was represented by Hon. Omanginma Harry enjoined the students to regard themselves as future heroes in sports and academics, and urged the authorities of the· school to interact with him as the doors of his office are always open for them.
He thanked the management of institute for all their efforts and called for partnership in sports development.
Earlier in his address, the Director, of the Institute, Mr Mike Okocha, expressed dismay that the 2020 annual Inter-House Sports Competition was holding 20 years after the last one was held due to various challenges; but will carry out the functions stipulated by the Edict No 4 of 1987 on the establishment of the institute.
Okocha further noted that the facilities and equipment of the institute called for urgent attention as they were out to provide opportunities for the youths to learn recreational skills and for physical fitness to be mentally alert.
At the end of the competition, Okrika Local Government Council Chairman’s House (Red) came first with 372 points, followed by Isaka House (Yellow) with 358 points while Naval Superintendent. House (Green) chalked the third position and Spiff House (Blue) with 312 points occupied the fourth place.
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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