Sports
Obaseki Mourns Former Commissioner For Sports
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed shock over the passing of a former Sports Commissioner in the state, Brown Ebelewe.
Ebewele, who died December 31, 2021, a former national champion, represented Nigeria at the 1978 African Games in Algiers, winning a silver medal in decathlon.
Tidesports source reports that he was part of the Edo delegation to the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival, which held in Benin City last year.
Obaseki, who bemoaned the tragic loss, said Ebewele’s passing was painful, saying the fallen sports administrator still had a lot to offer Edo State and the country in general.
“I am saddened by the news of the passing of seasoned sportsman and sports administrator, Ebewele, who made indelible contributions to the development of sports in the old Bendel State and Edo State.
“Ebewele was a rare gem and through his talent, made a name for himself, as he was fondly called “Juju Man” as a result of his impeccable sports talent.
“With huge success as an athlete with many laurels to his name and to the credit of the state, he transitioned to become an outstanding sports administrator, serving as a Commissioner for Sports in Edo State.” he said.
The governor said Ebewele’s death was even more painful because the state needed his experience in the ongoing reforms in sports administration in the state.
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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