Sports
Rivers Delivered Excellent Games’
The Federal Public Service Games scheduled to end today in Port Harcourt has been described as an excellent event in all ramifications by participants, especially, athletes, officials and fans.
According to some athletes and officials, Rivers State has been an impeccable host in providing top notch facilities, exciting and friendly ambience and commendable organisation in the 43rd edition of the Games.
Speaking after the volleyball final(men), the captain of Team Education, who beat their Rivers counterparts to the top spot, Adarolex Mgbede said that Port Harcourt had been exciting and interesting in the course of the Games and that he would go home with several experiences and lessons.
“Rivers has done a wonderful job hosting this Games, the facilities are top notch, it’s the best so far. This is my first time here and I must say kudos to Rivers”, he said.
For the Welfare Officer of Team Education, Muibi Charles, Simplified Rivers 2024 is the best he has experienced in FEPSGA in his 15 years of being part of the Games. According to him, “This edition, particularly, the opening ceremony was well organised and the aesthetics gave it an international colouration. Besides, the level of dignitaries that attended the ceremony was a plus, the government of Rivers State has really tried for the public servants in Nigeria by hosting this game”, he stated.
He also declared his willingness to come to the state again if the government wishes to host again. “If the government is ready to host us again, I am sure that over 98 percent of those who were here will like to come again.
The coach of FIRS men’s volleyball team, Yammai Bege Bayern on his part observed that the 43rd edition of the Games showed a remarkable improvement in every aspect and that the standard of the package put on show by Rivers State as hosts played a major role.
“Rivers took the Games to next level by their organisation, especially, the facilities. They tried as hosts, put every facility in place, it has been wonderful. In fact, we least expected what we saw, even at the hospital, particularly, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, injured athletes were given commendable attention and they did not pay a dime. I will give Rivers, the government and people up to a hundred percent score. If I have the opportunity, I’ll come here 100 times over and over again”.
Gabriel Nwanetanya
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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