Sports
NBA Africa, Others Take Basketball Campaign To Schools
As part of activities marking the launch of the 2022 Power Forward basketball season, the National Basketball Association (NBA Africa), Exxon Mobil Foundation and Pan Africa on Wednesday, started touring schools in the Federal Capital territory.
The outing, which began at the Government Secondary School, Kubwa, brought together students, particularly those involved in basketball, from schools within FCT, including Government Day Secondary School, Dutse, Total Child Model School, Dutse, as well as students from the host school.
The elated students were taken through a life skills seminar handled by former NBA player, Olumide Oyedeji, after which they participated in a tree planting exercise.
The Power Forward line of activities, the organisers said, was aimed at building the capacity of the youth as part of their contributions towards sports development and a sustainable greener environment.
The Vice President, NBA Africa and Country Head, NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu, explained that the yearly programme, which is in its ninth series, is tailored to enhance the capacity of students in basketball technicalities and the curriculum for the junior NBA programme relevant for a successful career in the sport.
The programme is also aimed at ensuring that basketball is widely accepted by children in the FCT so that they can benefit from all the skills embedded in the game.
Aside from training and mentorship seminars, the students also participated in tree planting around the school environment.
The NBA boss added that the association is an environmentally conscious one that sees tree planting as very relevant to the overall development of humanity.
She said: “NBA, being part of tree planting, is because we know how important it is to sustain the environment. So, that is part of what we do. When you talk about Power Forward programme, it comprises health, environment, as well as capacity building in life skills.”
For the Country Director, PanAfricare Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Adah, the programme was part of the implementation of Power Forward projects, which, according to him, is targeted at using basketball as a platform to teach youths life skills and other related lessons.
“This is the season we celebrate World Environment Day. So, we engaged in a tree planting exercise. We all know the importance of trees to the environment and the earth.
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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