Sports
LG Boss Organises Football Competition
The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, has performed the kick off ceremony of a maiden football tournament in the area.
The competition is part of activities lined up to mark 100 days in office of the present administration.
Meanwhile, in the opening game, the Old Stars FC beats council appointees 2-0, at the Ascension High School field, Ogale.
Speaking to Tidesports shortly after the kick off, the Chairman said the essence of the football tournament is to bring the people of the area together in achieving its desired aims and objectives.
Hon. Ollor explained that activities marking the 100 Days in office started with a town hall meeting to keep the people abreast of its achievements and the way forward.
“I restated that my administration will be an all inclusive government. I urge all Rivers people, particularly the people of Eleme to support Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration in its efforts to transform Rivers State,” Hon Ollor said.
Also speaking, former Vice Chairman of the LGA and Ollor Support Group, Hon Abbey Franklin, described the chairman’s development strides during his 100 days in office as a milestone.
Hon. Franklin score the chairman high for using the instrument of sports, most especially football to unite the people, saying that it is first of its kind.
“For the past three years electricity power supply had been a serious issue, but now, it has become a thing of the past, as Eleme people now enjoys 24-hour power supply.
“To crown it all, the issue of insecurity that crippled social and economic activities has vanished over night.
“The people can now sleep with their two eyes closed, investors that left Eleme are now back,” Hon. Franklin said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers Heavy Truck, South-South South-East, Comrade Mohammed Giwa lauded the council chairman for treating indigenes and non-indigenes equally.
He noted that the peaceful co-existence between the Muslims and indigenes are anchored by his sound leadership style.
Highlights of the event included the unveiling of New Era magazine, award ceremonies and unveiling of Old Stars lodge.
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.