Sports
Oregon 22: Amusan, Brume Under FG Sponsorship – NOC President
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, has revealed that the two athletes who excelled at the just concluded World Athletics Championships-Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume were on the sponsorship of the NOC.
Gumel noted that the NOC as an organ of the federal government has placed Amusan and Ese on a scholarship programme since 2018 with annual stipends till date.
Working in concert with the Ministry of sports and the AFN, the duo of Amusan and Brume are among 14 Nigerian athletes that have and will continue to receive NOC support till Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Nigerian Olympics Committee (NOC) revealed the details of these scholarships in financial terms sourced from the IOC solidarity fund.
“We have 14 of our notable grade A athletes under this scheme and we have never failed to give them the training and school grants,” Gumel said. “There is need to pay for all the staff members of each top athletes and that is why grants are essential.”
In addition, the Minister of Sports Sunday Dare came up with the Adopt-an Athlete initiative in which the Delta State Government adopted Brume while Ogun State adopted Amusan.
It was also learnt that the two athletes are among the beneficiaries of monthly grants for the Olympic Solidarity scheme and the money for seven months have been paid so far as part of preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games slated for France.
Investigations revealed that Amusan and Brume have received about 36,000 dollars in recent time apart from what they enjoy as adopted athletes of Ogun and Delta states.
They have also collected monthly daily up keep since January till date.
“These are facts but we don’t have to roll it out at all times but it is important to note that the AFN, NOC and the FG are working round the clock to boost the fortunes of the country’s athletes who are our ambassadors,” Gumel added.
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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