Sports
Dima Emerges Rivers State (Football) Referees’Chairman
The Rivers State (Football) Referees’ Council has elected a new state executive committee to oversee its affairs for the next four years. At her quadrennial/elective congress held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt last Sunday, Mr Dima Dennis Charles emerged new chairman after defeating his opponent, Mr Wokoma Solomon Innocent Anaele with nine votes to three.
. Other officers elected were Mrs. Amadi Blessing O. as Deputy Chairman, Mr. Eluozo Felix Chituru,1st Vice Chairman, Miss Peter Celestina, 2nd Vice Chairman, Mr. George Welcome, General Secretary. Mr. Ugorji Stephen, Assistant General Secretary. Igwe Menibaa Nwaudo Treasurer, Mr. Onunwor Amos Ogundu, Financial Secretary, Mr.Gwatana Lewis Kwana, Training Officer, Mr. Taiwo Ikechukwu, Assistant Training Officer, Mr Awata Eugene Fabian, Publicity Secretary and Miss Ekechukwu Gladys, Welfare Officer.
Announcing the result of the election, the 2023 Rivers State (Football) Referees’ Council election supervisor, Comrade Oyowai Canus Abraham, from Bayelsa State (Football) Referees’ council, who supervised the exercise said the election was peaceful free and fair. He congratulated members of Rivers state football Referees’ council for their matured understanding.
“The election for now has come and gone, it was free, fair and peaceful. The candidates accepted the results. I am happy with the turnout of members. I thank the contestants for their peaceful disposition before, during and after the election”.
Addressing Journalists after the election, Mr. Dima expressed his gratitude to God and the delegates and promised an all inclusive leadership.
“First, I give glory to the Almighty God who has made the day possible. I thank the delegates and everybody. My administration will be an all inclusive government, everybody will be part of it.
We must ensure that the face of Rivers state (Football) Referees’ council will move to next the level in a positive way. We are going to showcase more are time unfolds”.
When asked his impression on his predecessor administrative performance in the past four years, he said “ My promise is that there is going to be huge difference from the past administration, there is going to be a lot of innovations, there are going to be programmes that would show stakeholders in football in Rivers state that football Referees’ exists.
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.
-
Business1 day agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News2 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business1 day agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers1 day agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers1 day agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
News2 days agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers1 day agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH