Sports
Referees, Others Mourn Late China
It was a moment of grief for Rivers State council of Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), the immediate family of Late Levi China, friends, sympathizers, and Umu-Nobo village in Igbu-Ehuda in Ahoada East L.G.A of Rivers State as Elder Levi Olariwaju Onyejuwa China, who died on Monday 30th March 2020, was laid to rest at the weekend.
If encomiums and testimonies showered on the dead could wake one up, late China Levi would have risen.
His burial was a day when his works, life and time on earth was profusely and profoundly expressed by his children, extended families, the church, colleagues in Football Refereeing and business associates. he was adjudged a good man.
Speaking on Elder China’s works, life and time, Mr. Innocent Wokoma-Solomon, retired FIFA badged Referee and Deputy Chairman, Rivers State (Football) Referees’ Council, who on behalf of the President of NRA Alhaji Tade Azeez led the Nigerian (Football) Referees’ Association’s delegation to the burial, described Elder China as a good fellow and comrade, saying “our periods with him as Referee was wonderful and remarkable. He laid a lot of legacy in Refereeing as a hobby in Rivers State. He served the council in various capacity as Vice Chairman, and many other positions. He impacted positive values in so many Referee’s life, both as friend and colleague. He has lived a good life to the best of our knowledge but it’s left for God to decide as he has lived.”
Also speaking, Elder Francis Mary Isong, chairman Elder’s forum of Rivers state (Football) Referee’s Council, posited that “late Elder Levi Olariwaju China was a personal friend. He is someone I brought up from lower to the top echelon of football refereeing’’
“He was a good man, someone to be emulated for his generosity and uprightness. What he said today, tomorrow he would say the same thing, he was not afraid of anybody, what he said in your absence, he would say it in your presence. He didn’t stand for evil at all. He was well known in refereeing circle not only in Rivers state but Nigeria in general for kindness and philanthropy. In fact, his death is a departure of a good man,” Elder Isong averred.
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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