Sports
Govt Urged To Promote, Invest In Golf
The newly-elected Captain of the Lafia Golf Club, John Mlanga has urged the governments at all levels to invest in golf and elevate it to the level of other sports in order to attract tourists and generate more revenue.
Mlanga stated this after emerging victorious at the recently conducted elections for new Executives for the club in Lafia.
Mlanga said that golf if well harnessed had the potential to attract both local and foreign investments, thereby attracting more revenues.
He stressed the importance of developing the tourism potentials of Nasaarawa state which according to him, is in line with Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s objectives in diversifying the economy.
The new captain pledged to work with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to reposition golf in the state in order to capitalise on its advantages.
He added that the club’s master plan included a three-star hotel, to highlight the state’s tourism potential, which had the potential to boost revenue generation.
On the membership drive, Mlanga said he was impressed with the turnout of members during the club’s Annual General Meeting and the election.
He, however, lamented that in spite of its over 70-membership strength, only 40 members were active with half of them not playing at the course on regular basis.
Mlanga, therefore, promised to encourage non active members to fully participate in golfing as he pledged to embark on bringing new members to the club.
He said the benefits of playing golf were enormous, ranging from health to business opportunities.
He also pledged to use his experience as a member of many golf clubs around the country, especially as the former Vice Captain of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, to bear in running of Lafia Club.
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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