Sports
NYG: SWAN Awards Certificates To Eight Members On Quality Reportage
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) , Rivers State Chapter, has awarded certificates of quality reportage at the just concluded National Youth Games ( NYG) held in Asaba, Delta State, to Mr Kiadum Edookor, Mr Dele Obinna of The Tide Newspapers and six other members from various media.
Speaking during the event yestersday, in a congress meeting held at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the association Sarah David lauded the efforts of the eight members who covered the games.
According to her, the executive felt that was one of the ways to say thank you to the members who effectively reported the games in Asaba, adding that the certificates given to them were a mark of honour and recognition because the reportage was equally exceptional.
“For us as executive of SWAN, Rivers, we felt that giving them certificates was one of the ways to say thank you to our members following their accurate reports during the games.
“Every right thinking person on SWAN Rivers WhatsApp platform will agree with me that our members who went to cover the games were exceptional, dropping reports per second per minute on our platform.
“We did not lack any information about the NYG as it has to do with Team Rivers. So we felt to thank them because they are real good ambassadors.
“And I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the State Ministry of Sports which has been partnering with the association over the years.
“As an executive we are also aware there are new things happening everywhere and that is why we also brought some innovations to the association” David said.
Other awardees include Erenayo Dorcas Koki of Naija Info;
Ezinne Oti of Today FM;
Peter Abaje of DAAR Communications; Independent photo journalist, Ibisaki Temple Igani; Oqwy Osakwe of Super FM and Team leader, Innocent Solomon-Wokoma.
Also speaking, the leader of the eight-man team, Solomon-Wokoma expressed joy for receiving the certificate.
Wokoma, who was a FIFA badged referee, lauded the Chairman and the exco for the noble gesture.
Another recipient, Oqwy Osakwe, while expressing gratitude described the award as a pleasant surprise, saying that all the members who went to Asaba worked as a team to achieve success.
“It was as a result of passion for sports,” Osakwe said.
In the same vein an active member of the association Mba Kalu also thank the exco, saying that this would encourage others to work harder subsequently.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News18 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business9 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation20 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News18 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers8 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers8 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers8 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH