Sports
Acquatic Federation, LSSC Sensitise Nigerians On Swimming Pools
The Nigeria Aquatic Federation, in conjunction with Lagos State Safety Commission and Darkfaces Production, at the weekend, unveiled a campaign aimed at curbing deaths in swimming pools and beaches.
The awareness safety programme, which will train more lifeguards to protect people from getting drowned, according to the Aquatic Federation, will start officially on December.
The Federation said a series of training sessions has been scheduled to teach lifeguards from different organisations the modern rudiments of saving lives in the water.
Speaking at the programne, on Wednesday President of Nigeria Aquatic Federation, Chinonye Aliyu, said the body is putting plans in place with the Lagos State Safety Commission to ensure owners of swimming pools and public water facilities enforce strict safety regulations.
“My heart bleeds when people die in swimming pools and beaches. This is why the Federation is starting a safety campaign by training more lifeguards to protect our waters.
“We urge all organisations to send their representatives to be trained on how to protect people from drowning in the water.
“There are credible professionals to perform the training. The international body cannot train all Nigerians… they only train some number of people and it is now left for the Federation to train more people in the country ,” she said.
Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, assured that the body would work with the Federation to ensure safety in swimming pools and beaches.
“The Lagos Safety Commission is in full support of the campaign on safety in the state’s water ways.
“We will bring out laws meant to control safety in the swimming pools and beaches. More signs will be erected around pools and beaches to prevent deaths,” he said.
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.