Sports
Green Harps On Development Of Basketball In Rivers
The Rivers State Ministry of Sports has stressed the need to develop basketball from the grassroots level in the State.
Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barrister Chris Green, emphasised this during the final of the second edition of the D. A. F. Basketball Youth Festival in Port Harcourt last Sunday.
The festival, which kicked off on the 21st of August 2022, featured five categories namely, the Under -10, Under-13, Under-16, Under-18 and Under-19.
No fewer than 47 teams drawn from the length and breadth of Nigeria took part in the tournament.
The teams were drawn from different age groups and it turned to be a fiesta which showcased the very best of basketball skills from precocious and prodigious talent.
Barr Green, who played vital roles in the success of the festival, weighed in on the events of the day, the impact of sports on youngsters and what the event portends for the future of sports in Rivers State.
“I don’t think, that basketball would have existed in Rivers State without Fubara Onyanabo. He’s done very well. That’s why we’re saying that we’re going to encourage him with everything we have,” Barr Green explained.
“You can see the cadres, from junior to intermediate and senior. With over forty teams coming to play, it’s definitely not a mean feat. It’s huge.
“Like I keep saying, I’m not the Commissioner for football. We are giving attention to everybody (all sports). This is the second time I’m coming to basketball for an occasion like this, and by the grace of God, of course we can see what is happening. We’ll try to help even those that helped basketball grow.
The ceremony, which was held at the Rivers State Basketball Court, saw many participants winning medals, awards and receiving gifts.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion were Coach M. D. Opuwari (Basketball mentor of Barr Green), fondly referred to as the great, great grandfather of basketball in Rivers State, and one of the greatest basketball players ever to don the blue and white colours for Rivers State, Abraham Clinton.
Barr Green further revealed that plans have been flagged off to improve the fortunes of all sports in Rivers 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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