Sports
Sports, Veritable Tool For Employment – Commissioner
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Michael Awopetu, has described sports as a veritable means of job creation for youths.
Awopetu said this on Monday at the unveiling of the jersey of the Ekiti All Stars Sports Club at OluyemiKayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.
The jerseys were donated by a member of All Stars Sports Club, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Governor KayodeFayemi on Home Grown Feeding Programme, Mr Demola Obanise.
The commissioner commended the Ekiti All Stars for its giant strides towards the growth and development of sporting activities in the state.
He appreciated the team for the various contributions to the OluyemiKayode Stadium, such as provision of lawn mowers and support for the Ekiti United FC, both financially and morally.
In his remark, the President of the All Stars International, Dr Sola Afolayan, commended the commissioner for using his good offices to permit the return of the All Stars players to the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.
Afolayan promised that the association would continue to serve as good example for upcoming athletes.
He also used the occasion to congratulate the governor on his 56th birthday which comes up yesterday, February 9
The Ekiti All Stars president urged the governor and other members of his cabinet as well as members of the Legislative arm to join hands with Ekiti All Stars to support sports development in the state.
Tidesports source gathered that there was a novelty Football match between the Ekiti All Stars Senior team and the Junior team to commemorate the official presentation of the jersey.
The friendly match ended five goals to one in favour of the junior team.
Tidesports reports that the All Stars are retired sportsmen and women, who often converge for weekly training and keep fit exercise at the OluyemiKayode Stadium in Ado.
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.